Electrolüüs

Electrolüüs is a process that uses an electric current to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. This is achieved by passing an electric current through an electrolyte, which is a substance containing free ions, either molten or dissolved in a suitable solvent. The electrolyte is placed between two electrodes, a cathode (negative electrode) and an anode (positive electrode). When an electric current is applied, positive ions (cations) in the electrolyte migrate towards the cathode, where they gain electrons and are reduced. Negative ions (anions) migrate towards the anode, where they lose electrons and are oxidized.

This fundamental process has numerous applications across various fields. In industry, electrolysis is crucial for the production of many essential elements and compounds. For instance, the Hall-Héroult process uses electrolysis to extract aluminum from alumina. The production of chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide, vital components in many chemical industries, also relies on the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride solution). Furthermore, electroplating, a technique used to coat a metal object with a thin layer of another metal for decorative or protective purposes, is another direct application of electrolysis. In laboratory settings, electrolysis is used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of substances and for synthesizing various chemical compounds. The principles of electrolysis are also fundamental to understanding electrochemical cells, which are central to batteries and fuel cells.