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An electrode is a crucial component of any electrochemical setup. It is essentially a conductor, often made of metal or graphite, that allows the flow of electrical current in and out of the electrochemical cell. There are two main types of electrodes in these cells: the anode and the cathode.
Electrodes can be considered the bridge for electron transfer in these systems. The type of reaction that occurs at each electrode depends on the flow of electrons.
For the cathode, it is where electrons enter the cell and reduction happens, while the anode is the site where electrons exit and oxidation takes place. These reactions allow the movement of ions and complete the electrical circuit. Electrodes thus play a pivotal role in the functioning of electrochemical cells, helping to convert chemical energy to electrical energy or vice versa.

An electrochemical cell is a device capable of generating electrical energy from chemical reactions or facilitating chemical reactions through the introduction of electrical energy. This smart functionality is central in devices like batteries and fuel cells.
There are two primary functions these cells can perform:

• Generating electricity from the chemical energy of spontaneous redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, such as in galvanic or voltaic cells.
• Driving non-spontaneous reactions with external electrical energy in electrolytic cells.

Key to the operation of these cells are the electrodes that facilitate the flow of electrons.
In electrochemical cells like batteries, a cathode undergoes reduction, while an anode undergoes oxidation, creating a potential difference and allowing for electron flow. This flow of electrons from one electrode to another through the external circuit provides the usable energy output of the cell.

Reduction is a vital chemical reaction that occurs at the cathode of an electrochemical cell. During reduction, a chemical species gains electrons.
Electron gain is fundamental to this process and it is this attribute that distinguishes reduction from oxidation.
Reduction can be remembered by the mnemonic "LEO the lion says GER" where "Gain of Electrons is Reduction" (GER).
In the context of an electrochemical cell, reduction typically involves cations being attracted to the cathode where they gain electrons. This electron gain converts these ions into neutral atoms or changes their oxidized state to a reduced state. The overall reaction at the cathode ensures an ongoing process of electron flow and energy conversion in the cell.
Reduction not only happens in industrial applications like metal extraction but also plays a key role in your everyday batteries, ensuring they provide the necessary power to your devices.