Electrodes

[zool3]

What are the functions of the electrodes for galvanic, fuel or electrolysis? All i know is that they can conduct electricity (electrons) but what else should i know about them?

Thanks

[Mao]

in galv and electrolysis, depending on the reaction they can also act as the reactant. Depending on the reaction they may also act as a product support (i.e. product get deposited on them)

in fuel cell, electrodes act as catalysts.

[zool3]

ohh okay thanks mao!!
and when you say product gets deposited on them, thats for like recharging right?

[Zebra]

Correct me if I'm wrong.

1. They are porous (allows gaseous reactants to diffuse through!)
2. Act as catalyst
3. Site of redox reaction

[taqi]

Also they have to be conductive. It seems obvious but its a valid point.

[zool3]

Correct me if I'm wrong.

1. They are porous (allows gaseous reactants to diffuse through!)
2. Act as catalyst
3. Site of redox reaction

is this for fuel cells?

[Zebra]

I'm not sure LOL ... i think it's electrodes in applications of electrolytic cells.. correct me

[Mao]

Correct me if I'm wrong.

1. They are porous (allows gaseous reactants to diffuse through!)
2. Act as catalyst
3. Site of redox reaction

is this for fuel cells?

It is for fuel cells.

[Mao]

ohh okay thanks mao!!
and when you say product gets deposited on them, thats for like recharging right?

Deposition can happen in galvanic cells too. e.g. Cu/Cu2+ and Zn/Zn2+.

[Bismuth]

For the second and third setup, you would want to specify that the electrodes are designed to be chemically inert. Many commercial cells (such as the Downs cell) would use carbon/graphite/platinum electodes, and these do not participate in the reaction like the set up described in the first diagram; hence are designed to be inert.