Electrochemical cells are the workhorses of energy conversion. Galvanic cells, like , turn chemical energy into electricity. Electrolytic cells do the opposite, using electricity to drive chemical reactions.
These cells have key components: electrodes for redox reactions, electrolytes for ion flow, and salt bridges for charge balance. Understanding their types and operations is crucial for harnessing electrochemical power in various applications.
Types of Electrochemical Cells
Galvanic vs electrolytic cells
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Galvanic cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions (batteries, )
Electrons flow from the to the through an external circuit generating usable electrical current
Electrolytic cells convert electrical energy into chemical energy by driving non-spontaneous redox reactions (, )
An external power source forces electrons to flow from the cathode to the anode enabling desired chemical transformations
Components of galvanic cells
Electrodes serve as sites for redox reactions
Anode undergoes oxidation releasing electrons into the external circuit
Cathode undergoes reduction accepting electrons from the external circuit
Electrolytes are ion-containing solutions that enable electrical current flow
surrounds the anode while surrounds the cathode
connects the two half-cells allowing ion flow to maintain charge balance without mixing the electrolytes
Operation of electrolytic cells
External power source supplies electrical energy driving non-spontaneous redox reactions
Reduction occurs at the cathode where electrons are supplied
Oxidation occurs at the anode where electrons are removed
Electroplating deposits a thin metal layer onto a conductive surface
Object to be plated is placed at the cathode
Metal ions in the are reduced and deposited onto the object
Electrolysis decomposes compounds using electrical energy
Water electrolysis produces (H2) at the cathode and (O2) at the anode
Fuel cells vs concentration cells
Fuel cells generate electricity by oxidizing a continuously supplied fuel (H2, methanol)
Produce water and heat as byproducts
Used for power generation and transportation
Concentration cells generate electricity from a concentration gradient between two half-cells
No net chemical reaction occurs
Measure species concentrations or study membrane permeability