Elektorchemická

Elektorchemická, commonly referred to in English as electrochemistry, is a branch of chemistry that studies the relationship between chemical changes and electrical energy. It focuses on redox reactions, electron transfer at electrode interfaces, and how electric currents can drive or measure chemical processes.

Key concepts include redox reactions, electrodes (anode and cathode), electrolytes, and electrochemical cells. Galvanic (voltaic) cells generate electrical energy from spontaneous reactions, while electrolytic cells use external electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions. The potential difference between electrodes is described by electrode potentials and quantified by the Nernst equation.

Techniques such as potentiometry, voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to characterize systems. Research areas include materials for electrodes and electrolytes, electrode interfaces, and reaction kinetics, as well as fundamental thermodynamics and kinetics of electron transfer.

Applications span energy storage and conversion (batteries, fuel cells), electroplating and metal finishing, corrosion protection, and industrial electrolysis for chemical production. Notable processes include chlorine production via the chlor-alkali process and aluminum refining by the Hall–Héroult process, both driven by electrochemical methods. Electrochemical sensing and analytical methods enable measurements in chemistry, biology, and environmental science, while electrochemical synthesis provides routes to new compounds under mild conditions.

History notes trace the field to the 18th century with Luigi Galvani and Alessandro Volta, followed by formalization through the works of Arrhenius, Nernst, and others, which established the theoretical framework and practical applications of electrochemistry.