galvanischen

Galvanischen is the German adjective form meaning galvanic or related to galvanism. It is used to describe processes, devices, and phenomena driven by spontaneous electrochemical redox reactions. In German technical terminology, phrases such as galvanische Zelle (galvanic cell), galvanische Beschichtung (electroplating), and galvanische Korrosion (galvanic corrosion) illustrate its usage.

Principles of galvanic processes involve two different electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. A spontaneous redox reaction causes electrons to flow through an external circuit from the anode, where oxidation occurs, to the cathode, where reduction takes place. This movement generates an electrical potential, typically expressed as a cell potential in volts. In a galvanic cell, the energy released by the chemical reaction is converted into electrical energy.

Applications of galvanic processes include energy storage and supply, such as batteries and fuel cells, as well as metal finishing techniques like electroplating, where a metal layer is deposited onto a substrate. Galvanic corrosion describes a related phenomenon in which a more reactive metal corrodes preferentially when in contact with a less reactive metal in an electrolyte, highlighting the practical importance of material pairing and isolation.

History and etymology trace the term galvanic to Luigi Galvani, whose studies of animal electricity in the late 18th century gave rise to the concept of galvanism. The name influenced related terms and devices, including the galvanometer and the practice of galvanization, which uses galvanic currents for protective coating processes. See also galvanic cell, galvanic corrosion, and electroplating.