An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical device that uses electrical energy to facilitate a non-spontaneous redox reaction. It is commonly used for the electrolysis of certain compounds, such as water, to form gaseous oxygen and gaseous hydrogen. The three primary components of electrolytic cells are the cathode (negatively charged), the anode (positively charged), and the electrolyte. Electrolytic cells are also used for the extraction of aluminum from bauxite, in electroplating, and in electrowinning processes. Additionally, the industrial production of high-purity copper, high-purity zinc, and high-purity aluminum is almost always done through electrolytic cells.
Toggle Categories
Shortcut
Chat with us for quick and direct communication.
Immediately reply on working days (within 8 hours on holidays)
electrolytic cell
We have the best Electrolytic Cell solutions to meet your needs. Our extensive portfolio of electrolytic cells includes standard solutions for common applications, as well as bespoke designs for unique requirements.
Applications of Electrolytic Cell
- Decomposition of chemical compounds, such as water into hydrogen and oxygen, and bauxite into aluminum and other chemicals.
- Electroplating of copper, silver, nickel, or chromium.
- Electrorefining and electrowinning of non-ferrous metals like high-purity aluminum, copper, zinc, and lead.
- Production of caustic soda and other chemicals.
- Refining copper and other metals.
- Determination of electrode potential of different metals.
- Determination of electrochemical series via a Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) system.
Advantages of Electrolytic Cell
- Electrolytic cells are used for the production of hydrogen and oxygen gas from water.
- They are used to extract aluminum from bauxite.
- Electrolytic cells are used in electroplating to create a thin protective layer of a specific metal on the surface of another metal.
- The electrorefining of many non-ferrous metals is done with the help of electrolytic cells.
- Electrolytic cells are used in electrowinning processes.
- Industrial production of high-purity copper, high-purity zinc, and high-purity aluminium is almost always done through electrolytic cells.
Electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that drives a non-spontaneous redox reaction with electrical energy. It is widely used to decompose chemical compounds and electroplate various metals. Our extensive product line provides you with a standard solution that fits your needs, and for more unique applications, our custom design service will help us cater to your specific requirements.
FAQ
What are electrolytic cells used for?
Electrolytic cells are used for the decomposition of chemical compounds through electrolysis. This process involves the use of an external electric current to facilitate a non-spontaneous redox reaction. Electrolytic cells are commonly used to produce oxygen and hydrogen gas from water, extract aluminum from bauxite, and electroplate various metals. Additionally, electrolytic cells are used in the electrorefining and electrowinning of non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, zinc, and lead. Overall, electrolytic cells have numerous industrial applications in the production and refinement of various chemical compounds and metals.
What is the difference between galvanic cell and electrolytic cell?
The main difference between a galvanic cell and an electrolytic cell is that a galvanic cell generates electrical energy from a spontaneous redox reaction, while an electrolytic cell uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous redox reaction. Another difference is that a galvanic cell has a positive cell potential, while an electrolytic cell has a negative cell potential. Galvanic cells are used in batteries, while electrolytic cells are used in processes such as electroplating and purification of metals.
What is an electrolytic cell and how does it work?
An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous redox reaction. It consists of an electrolyte and two electrodes (a cathode and an anode). When an external voltage is supplied to the electrodes, the ions in the electrolyte are attracted to an electrode with the opposite charge, allowing charge-transferring (also known as faradaic or redox) events to occur. The negative electrode is called the cathode and the positive electrode is called the anode. Oxidation occurs at the anode, and reduction occurs at the cathode.
What are the two points of difference between electrochemical and electrolytic cells?
Electrochemical and electrolytic cells both rely on the movement of electrons through the system. However, spontaneous chemical reactions occur in electrochemical cells, whereas nonspontaneous chemical reactions occur in electrolytic cells.
What is the example of electrolytic cell?
Important examples of electrolysis are the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, and bauxite into aluminum and other chemicals. Electroplating (e.g., of copper, silver, nickel, or chromium) is done using an electrolytic cell.
Are electrolytic cells spontaneous?
Galvanic cells derives its energy from spontaneous redox reactions, while electrolytic cells involve non-spontaneous reactions and thus require an external electron source like a DC battery or an AC power source.
REQUEST A QUOTE
Our professional team will reply to you within one business day. Please feel free to contact us!
Related Articles
Exploring the Multifunctional Electrolytic Cell Water Bath: Applications and Benefits
Discover the versatile applications of multifunctional electrolytic cell water baths in various industries. Learn about their benefits, components, and how they facilitate chemical reactions and temperature control.
Read more
Comprehensive Guide to Reference Electrodes: Types, Applications, and Selection Criteria
Explore the world of reference electrodes with our detailed guide. Learn about different types, their applications, and how to select the right one for your needs. Ideal for researchers and lab technicians.
Read more
Understanding Saturated Calomel Reference Electrodes: Composition, Uses, and Considerations
Explore the detailed guide on saturated calomel reference electrodes, including their composition, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Ideal for researchers and lab technicians.
Read more
Advanced Techniques in Coating Evaluation Using Electrolytic Cells
Explore the comprehensive guide on coating evaluation using electrolytic cells, covering electroplating, sol-gel methods, and wet chemical techniques. Enhance your understanding of metal coating properties and applications.
Read more
Understanding Flat Corrosion Electrolytic Cells: Applications, Mechanisms, and Prevention Techniques
Explore the detailed workings of flat corrosion electrolytic cells, their role in industrial processes, and effective strategies to mitigate corrosion. Learn about electrolytic cells, their components, and applications in electroplating and metal purification.
Read more
Understanding Quartz Electrolytic Cells: Applications, Mechanisms, and Advantages
Explore the detailed workings, applications, and benefits of quartz electrolytic cells in various industries. Learn how these cells facilitate precise chemical reactions and their role in high-purity metal production.
Read more
Comprehensive Guide to Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) in Electrochemical Studies
Explore the detailed workings, applications, and significance of Rotating Disk Electrodes (RDE) in electrochemical research. Discover how RDEs are used in fuel cells, catalyst development, and more.
Read more
Electrochemical Cells: Generating Electricity and Driving Reactions
Electrochemical cells, like batteries, play a vital role in energy storage by converting chemical energy to electrical energy and vice versa. Explore the workings, types, and significance of these cells.
Read more
Electrochemical Consumables: A Comprehensive Guide to Materials, Applications, and Selection
Discover the world of electrochemical consumables, including types of electrodes (working, auxiliary, and reference) and electrolytes, as well as factors to consider when selecting materials for your electrochemical experiments or applications.
Read more
Understanding Electrodes and Electrochemical Cells
An electrode is a point where current enters and leaves the electrolyte. It is a conductor used to make a junction with a nonmetallic part of a circuit. Electrodes can be made of materials such as gold, platinum, carbon, graphite, or metal. They serve as the surface for oxidation-reduction reactions in electrochemical cells. There are different types of electrodes, including anode and cathode.
Read more
Understanding Electrolytic Cells and Their Role in Copper Purification and Electroplating
Electrolytic cells play a crucial role in various industrial processes, including copper purification and electroplating. These cells utilize an external power source to drive chemical reactions, resulting in the decomposition of substances. Through the process of electrolysis, an electric current is passed through a liquid or solution containing ions, causing them to break down.
Read more
Understanding Electrolytic Cells: Conversion of Energy and Applications
Electrochemical cell An electrochemical cell is a device capable of either generating electrical energy from chemical reactions or facilitating chemical reactions through the introduction of electrical energy.
Read more
Electrolytic Batteries A Solution to the Growing Energy Demands
The design of electrolytes remains a challenge, but automated discovery and the power of AI are promising tools for advancing this field.
Read more
Electrochemistry The Science Behind Electrochemical Cells
Electrochemistry is important because it helps us understand the behavior of materials and substances in different environments.
Read more
Applications of H-Type Electrolytic Cell in Metal Extraction
H-type electrolytic cells uses an electrolyte solution to dissolve the metal ions and an electric current to separate the metal ions from the solution.
Read more
Applications of Electrolytic Cells in Purification and Electroplating
Electrolytic cells are chemical cells that use electricity to generate a non-spontaneous redox reaction. These cells are used in various electrochemical processes such as electrolysis and electroplating.
Read more
Understanding Electrodeposition with Electrochemical Electrodes
Electrodeposition is a process of depositing a metal or a non-metallic material onto a surface by applying an electric current.
Read more
Overcoming Challenges with H-Type Electrolytic Cell Operation
Understanding the components and operation of the H-type electrolytic cell is crucial in producing high-quality chemicals and overcoming the challenges that come with its operation.
Read more
Benefits of Electrochemical Cells for Energy Storage
Electrochemical cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy through the use of oxidation-reduction reactions. They are widely used in various applications such as energy storage, fuel cells, and batteries.
Read more
Advanced Electrolytic Cell Techniques for Cutting-Edge Lab Research
Electrolytic cells are devices that utilize an electric current to induce a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
Read more