Half-cell

A half-cell is a fundamental component of an electrochemical cell, which consists of an electrode and an electrolyte that facilitates the transfer of ions. In a half-cell, oxidation or reduction (redox) reactions take place, but not both simultaneously. Half-cells are typically used in galvanic cells (which generate electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions) and electrolytic cells (which use electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions).