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A depolarizer or depolariser, in electrochemistry, according to an IUPAC definition,[1][2] is a synonym of electroactive substance, i.e., a substance which changes its oxidation state, or partakes in a formation or breaking of chemical bonds, in a charge-transfer step of an electrochemical reaction.
In the battery industry, the term "depolarizer" has been used to denote a substance used in a primary cell to prevent buildup of hydrogen gas bubbles.[3] A battery depolarizer takes up electrons during discharge of the cell; therefore, it is always an oxidizing agent. The term "depolarizer" can be considered as outdated or misleading, since it is based on the concept of "polarization" which is hardly realistic in many cases[citation needed].
- ^ IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book") (1997). Online corrected version: (2006–) "depolarizer". doi:10.1351/goldbook.D01599
- ^ IUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book") (1997). Online corrected version: (2006–) "electroactive substance". doi:10.1351/goldbook.E01940
- ^ "McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms", McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2003.