ScienceJuly 13, 2026
cation
/ˈkæt.aɪ.ən/
Definition
A positively charged ion that is attracted to the negative electrode during electrolysis.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'kata' (down) and 'ion' (going), it was coined by Michael Faraday in 1834 to describe ions that move 'down' toward the cathode.
In the news
In this article, the authors describe a 'cation-compensated cell' to explain how their device balances electrical charges while removing CO2 from the air. This term is critical for understanding the electrochemical mechanism that drives their carbon-capture process.
New electrochemical device targets climate change by sucking CO2 out of air
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!