Electrode electrode. In a vacuum tube or a semiconductor having polarity (diodes, electrolytic capacitors) the anode is the positive (+) electrode and the cathode the negative (−). The electrons enter the device through the cathode and exit the device through the anode. Many devices have other electrodes to control operation, e.g., base, gate, control grid. In a three-electrode cell, a counter electrode, also called an auxiliary electrode, is used only to make a connection to the electrolyte so that a current can be applied to the working electrode. The counter electrode is usually made of an inert material, such as a
SAL electrolytic capacitor 31, 2015 these are now end-of-life and have ceased production. Basic anode material of solid aluminum capacitors exists of highly purified aluminum with a purity of at least 99.99%. In an electrochemical process the anode material is etched (roughened) to increase the effective electrode surface. After that the roughened aluminum becomes oxidized or formed by an anodic oxidizing process. Thereby an electrical insulating oxide layer AlO is formed on the aluminum surface by applying an electric current in correct polarity in an electrolytic bath. This process of oxide formation is carried out into two reaction steps: The aluminum oxide layer