elektroløst

Elektroløst is a Norwegian adjective used in chemistry to refer to things relating to electrolytes or to electrolysis. In practice, the more common noun is elektrolytt for an electrolyte, or elektrolytt løsning for an electrolyte solution. The term elektroløst may appear in compound phrases such as elektroløst medium or elektroløst system to indicate an environment in which ions migrate under an electric field.

An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in a solvent or when molten, enabling the solution or melt to conduct electricity. In aqueous solutions, electrolytes include salts, acids, and bases, which split into cations and anions. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely, yielding high ionic conductivity, while weak electrolytes equilibrate and conduct poorly.

Ion presence is essential for electrochemical reactions at electrodes during processes such as electrolysis, electroplating, or charging of batteries. Electrolyte conductivity increases with ion concentration, temperature, and mobility, and decreases with ion pairing or viscosity. Common aqueous electrolytes include sodium chloride, sulfuric acid, and potassium hydroxide; non-aqueous and molten electrolytes are used in specialized applications.

Applications of electrolytes include enabling ion transport in batteries and fuel cells, carrying metal ions to a substrate in electroplating, and transducing chemical changes into electrical signals in sensors.

Safety and properties: electrolytes can be corrosive or reactive; many are hazardous and require proper handling. Historically, Arrhenius described electrolytes as substances that increase the number of ions in solution, laying the foundation for electrochemistry.