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 Electrolysis involves the passage of an electric current through, in general, an ionic substance that is either molten or dissolved in a suitable solvent, resulting in chemical reactions at the electrodes. The positive electrode is called the anode, and the negative electrode is the cathode.[1] To be useful for electrolysis, the electrodes need to be able to conduct electricity, and metal electrodes are generally used. Graphite electrodes and semiconductor electrodes are also used. An ionic compound, or a compound that reacts with the solvent to produce ions (such as an acid) is dissolved in an appropriate solvent, or an ionic compound is melted by heat. Then some free ions exist in the liquid. An electrical potential is applied between a pair of electrodes immersed in the liquid. Each electrode attracts ions that are of the opposite charge. Therefore, positively-charged ions (called cations) move towards the electron-emitting (negative) cathode, whereas negatively-charged ions (termed anions) move toward the positive anode. The energy required to separate the ions, and cause them to gather at the respective electrodes, is provided by an electrical power supply. At the electrodes, electrons are absorbed or released by the ions, forming a collection of the desired element or compound.
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