electrolyzed

Electrolyzed is the past participle of electrolysis and is used as an adjective to describe a substance that has undergone electrolysis, or processes and products produced by electrolysis. Electrolysis is a chemical reaction in which an electric current is passed through an electrolyte to drive a non-spontaneous transformation, typically involving oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode.

In an electrolysis setup, the electrolyte provides mobile ions that carry charge, while electrodes supply the required electrical energy. A power source pushes electrons into the system, causing ions to migrate and react at the electrode surfaces. The efficiency and outcome depend on factors such as electrode materials, the concentration and type of electrolyte, temperature, and current density. Common laboratory and industrial examples include the electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen and oxygen, the electrolytic production of chlorine from brine, and the refinement or deposition of metals via electroplating or electrorefining.

Applications of electrolysis are widespread. It is central to the chlor-alkali process, metal extraction and purification, coating and finishing techniques, and the synthesis of chemical compounds. In some cases, substances described as electrolyzed, such as electrolyzed water, refer to products formed by electrolyzing a solution and may be used for cleaning or disinfection due to reactive species produced during the process. Safety considerations include managing caustic electrolytes, handling flammable gases, and controlling energy consumption.