What is the Difference Between Cataphoresis and Anaphoresis?

Cataphoresis and anaphoresis are both types of electrophoresis, which is an analytical technique used to analyze a sample by observing the motion of dispersed solute in a medium under the influence of an electric field. The main difference between the two lies in the direction in which the charged particles move and the nature of the charged particles involved.

Cataphoresis:

Involves the movement of cations (electrically positive charged ions).
Particles move towards the cathode (negative electrode) in a fluid medium.
Commonly used in coating metals to create a highly resistant surface to atmospheric agents and in steering and suspension parts.

Anaphoresis:

Involves the electrophoresis of anions (negatively charged ions).
Particles move towards the anode (positive electrode) in an electrolyte solution.
Less commonly used compared to cataphoresis, but it complements the description of particle movements in an electric field.

In summary, the primary difference between cataphoresis and anaphoresis is the direction in which charged particles move in the electric field and the nature of the charged particles involved. Cataphoresis involves the movement of positively charged particles towards the cathode, while anaphoresis involves the movement of negatively charged particles towards the anode.