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Article: Electrochemistry.(FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS)
- Article from:
- Chemical Engineering
- Article date:
- March 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Access Intelligence, LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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ELECTROCHEMICAL THEORY
In electrochemical systems, electrochemical cells replace chemical reactors. A cell consists of a vessel that holds the reaction mixture (the electrolyte) while also bringing that mixture into contact with two electrodes, namely, an anode and a cathode. These can take various physical farms. Oxidizing conditions are set up at the anode, reducing conditions at the cathode.
In theory, any oxidation-reduction reaction can be driven electrochemically, the electricity serving to change the oxidation state. Conversely, oxidation-reduction reactions can be employed to generate electricity. That capability is the basis for batteries and ...