What materials are commonly used to make anodes for cathodic protection?

Zinc is commonly used as a material for anodes in cathodic protection systems due to its favorable electrochemical properties. It has a high electronegativity compared to the metals it protects, which allows it to serve effectively as a sacrificial anode. When zinc is used, it corrodes in place of the metal structure it is protecting, thereby extending the life of that metal by preventing oxidation and corrosion. This property makes zinc a popular choice in various applications, such as in marine environments and pipelines, where protection from corrosive elements is essential.

While other materials might be used for anodes in specific applications, zinc is noteworthy for its balance of cost, availability, and effectiveness in providing cathodic protection.