10/9/2020 Electrochemical Cell - Definition, Description, Types, Applications

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Electrochemical Cell

Table of Content
What are Electrochemical Cells? Half Cells and Cell Potential Types of Electrochemical Cells

Applications of Electrochemical Cells

What is an Electrochemical Cell?

An electrochemical cell is a device that can generate electrical energy from the chemical
reactions occurring in it, or use the electrical energy supplied to it to facilitate chemical
reactions in it. These devices are capable of converting chemical energy into electrical
energy, or vice versa. A common example of an electrochemical cell is a standard 1.5-volt
cell which is used to power many electrical appliances such as TV remotes and clocks.
Such cells capable of generating an electric current from the chemical reactions occurring
in them care called Galvanic cells (https://byjus.com/chemistry/galvanic-cell/) or Voltaic
cells. Alternatively, the cells which cause chemical reactions to occur in them when an
electric current is passed through them are called electrolytic cells.
A diagram detailing the different parts of an electrochemical cell is provided below.

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10/9/2020 Electrochemical Cell - Definition, Description, Types, Applications

Electrochemical Cell

Electrochemical cells generally consist of a cathode and an anode. The key features of the
cathode and the anode are tabulated below.

Cathode Anode
Denoted by a positive sign since electrons Denoted by a negative sign since
are consumed here electrons are liberated here
A reduction reaction occurs in the cathode of
An oxidation reaction occurs here
an electrochemical cell
Electrons move into the cathode Electrons move out of the anode

General convention dictates that the cathode must be represented on the right-hand side
whereas the anode is represented on the left-hand side while denoting an electrochemical
cell.

Half-Cells and Cell Potential

Electrochemical Cells are made up of two half-cells, each consisting of an electrode
which is dipped in an electrolyte. The same electrolyte can be used for both half cells.
These half cells are connected by a salt bridge which provides the platform for ionic
contact between them without allowing them to mix with each other. An example of a
salt bridge is a lter paper which is dipped in a potassium nitrate
(https://byjus.com/chemistry/potassium-nitrate/) or sodium chloride solution.
One of the half cells of the electrochemical cell loses electrons due to oxidation and
the other gains electrons in a reduction process. It can be noted that an equilibrium
reaction occurs in both the half cells, and once the equilibrium is reached, the net
voltage becomes 0 and the cell stops producing electricity.
The tendency of an electrode which is in contact with an electrolyte to lose or gain
electrons is described by its electrode potential. The values of these potentials can be
used to predict the overall cell potential. Generally, the electrode potentials are
measured with the help of the standard hydrogen electrode
(https://byjus.com/chemistry/standard-hydrogen-electrode/) as a reference electrode
(an electrode of known potential).

Primary and Secondary Cells

Primary cells are basically use-and-throw galvanic cells. The electrochemical
reactions that take place in these cells are irreversible in nature. Hence, the reactants
are consumed for the generation of electrical energy and the cell stops producing an
electric current once the reactants are completely depleted.
Secondary cells (also known as rechargeable batteries) are electrochemical cells in
which the cell has a reversible reaction, i.e. the cell can function as a Galvanic cell as
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well as an Electrolytic cell.
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10/9/2020 Electrochemical Cell - Definition, Description, Types, Applications

Most of the primary batteries (multiple cells connected in series, parallel, or a

combination of the two) are considered wasteful and environmentally harmful
devices. This is because they require about 50 times the energy they contain in their
manufacturing process. They also contain many toxic metals and are considered to
be hazardous waste.

Types of Electrochemical Cells

The two primary types of electrochemical cells are
1.  Galvanic cells (also known as Voltaic cells)
2. Electrolytic cells
The key differences between Galvanic cells and electrolytic cells are tabulated below.

Galvanic Cell / Voltaic Cell Electrolytic Cell

Chemical energy is transformed into
Electrical energy is transformed into chemical
electrical energy in these
energy in these cells.
electrochemical cells.
An input of energy is required for the redox
The redox reactions that take place in
reactions to proceed in these cells, i.e. the
these cells are spontaneous in nature.
reactions are non-spontaneous.
In these electrochemical cells, the
These cells feature a positively charged
anode is negatively charged and the
anode and a negatively charged cathode.
cathode is positively charged.
The electrons originate from the Electrons originate from an external source
species that undergoes oxidation. (such as a battery).

Applications of Electrochemical Cells

Electrolytic cells are used in the electrore ning of many non-ferrous metals. They are
also used in the electrowinning of these metals.
The production of high-purity lead, zinc, aluminium, and copper involves the use of
electrolytic cells.
Metallic sodium can be extracted from molten sodium chloride by placing it in an
electrolytic cell and passing an electric current through it.
Many commercially important batteries (such as the lead-acid battery
(https://byjus.com/chemistry/lead-acid-battery/)) are made up of Galvanic cells.
Fuel cells are an important class of electrochemical cells that serve as a source of
clean energy in several remote locations.

Frequently Asked Questions on Electrochemical Cells

What is the Function of a Salt Bridge in an Electrochemical Cell?
The salt bridge completes the circuit of an electrochemical cell, thereby allowing the ow
of current through it. It also helps maintain the overall electrical neutrality of the cell.

What is Standard Electrode Potential?

The standard electrode potential of an electrode can be de ned as the potential difference
that arises between the electrode and the electrolyte under standard conditions
(Temperature = 298K, pressure = 1 atm, unity concentration of reacting species). It is
denoted by the symbol ‘Eocell‘. Click here to learn more about standard electrode potential
(https://byjus.com/chemistry/standard-electrode-potential/).

What are the Key Differences between Cathode and Anode?

The cathode of an electrochemical cell is the site at which reduction occurs. It is generally
represented by a positive (+) sign. The electrons ow from the anode towards the cathode.
In electrochemical cells, the anode is the electrode at which oxidation occurs. It is denoted
by a negative (-) sign.
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10/9/2020 Electrochemical Cell - Definition, Description, Types, Applications

Is it Possible for an Electrochemical Cell to have a Positively Charged Anode

or a Negatively Charged Cathode?
Yes, the anode of an electrolytic cell is positively charged (and the cathode is negatively
charged). However, oxidation still occurs at the anode despite the negative charge. The
chemical reactions that occur in these electrochemical cells are non-spontaneous in
nature.

What are electrolytic cells?

Electrolytic cells are a class of electrochemical cells that use electric currents to facilitate
the cell reaction. The chemical reaction that occurs inside such cells is commonly referred
to as electrolysis. Electrolytic cells can be used to break down bauxite into aluminium and
other components. Such cells can also be employed for the electrolysis of water into
hydrogen and oxygen.

Thus, the key concepts and the types of electrochemical cells are discussed. To learn more
about important concepts related to electrochemistry, such as the Nernst equation
(https://byjus.com/jee/nernst-equation/), register with BYJU’S and download the mobile
application on your smartphone.

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