Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry is the science of the reactions that can take place at the interface of an electronic conductor (the electrode, which can be a metal or a semiconductor including graphite) and an ionic conductor (the electrolyte).

Spontaneity

A spontaneous electrochemical reaction can be used to generate an

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electrical current, in electrochemical cells. This is the basis of all batteries and fuel cells. For example, gaseous oxygen (O2) and

Related Topics:
Current - Electrochemical cell - Batteries - Fuel cell

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hydrogen (H2) can be combined in a fuel cell to form water and

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energy (a combination of heat and electrical energy, typically).

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Conversely, non-spontaneous electrochemical reactions can be driven forward by the application of a current at sufficient voltage. The

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electrolysis of water into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen is a typical example.

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