Understanding Anodes: The Negative Electrode in Batteries and Fuel Cells

An anode is a positively charged electrode in an electrochemical cell that supplies electrons to the electrolyte during discharge. In other words, it is the negative terminal of a battery or a fuel cell where oxidation occurs. The anode is the electrode where the chemical reaction that produces electricity takes place.

In a battery, the anode is the electrode that has a higher potential than the cathode (the positive electrode) and is made of a material that can release electrons easily. When the battery is discharged, the anode releases electrons to the cathode through the external circuit, allowing current to flow.

In a fuel cell, the anode is the electrode where the fuel (such as hydrogen or methanol) is fed in, and it undergoes a chemical reaction to produce electrons and protons. The electrons then travel through the external circuit to the cathode, while the protons pass through the electrolyte to the cathode, producing water and electricity.

In summary, the anode is the negative electrode of an electrochemical cell where oxidation occurs, and it supplies electrons to the external circuit during discharge.