Electrolysis

In chemistry and manufacturing, electrolysis is a technique that uses the direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially important as a stage in separating elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell. The voltage that is needed for electrolysis to occur is called the decomposition potential. The word "lysis" means to separate or break, so in terms, electrolysis would mean "breakdown via electricity" [Wikipedia].
Electrolysis is passing a direct electric current through an electrolyte producing chemical reactions at the electrodes and decomposition of the materials. The main components required to achieve electrolysis are an electrolyte, electrodes, and an external power source. A partition (e.g., an ion-exchange membrane or a salt bridge) is optional to keep the products from diffusing to the vicinity of the opposite electrode. The electrolyte is a chemical substance that contains free ions and carries an electric current (e.g., an ion-conducting polymer, solution, or an ionic liquid compound). If the ions are not mobile, as in most solid salts, then electrolysis cannot occur [Faraday].
Electrolysis decomposes ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the compound in a fluid form. The cations are reduced at the cathode, and anions are oxidized at the anode. The main components that are required for conducting electrolysis are an electrolyte, electrodes, and some form of external power source is also needed. A partition, such as an ion-exchange membrane or a salt bridge, is also used, but this is optional. These are used mainly to keep the products from diffusing near the opposite electrode.
An acidified or salt-containing water can be decomposed by passing an electric current to its original elements, hydrogen and oxygen. Molten sodium chloride can be decomposed into sodium and chlorine atoms [BYJUS].

The use of electric current to stimulate a non-spontaneous reaction. Electrolysis can separate a substance into its original components/elements. Through this process, some elements have been discovered and are still produced in today's industry. In Electrolysis, an electric current is sent through an electrolyte into the solution to stimulate the flow of ions necessary to run an otherwise non-spontaneous reaction. Processes involving electrolysis include electro-refining, electro-synthesis, and the chloro-alkali process.

Sources:

Electrolysis. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis

Faraday, M. (1849). Experimental Researches In Electricity. London: The University of London

Admin. (2022). Electrolysis - definition, process, applications, electrolysis of water, BYJUS. BYJU'S. Retrieved from: https://byjus.com/jee/electrolysis/

Libretexts. (2020). Electrolysis, Chemistry LibreTexts. Libretexts. Retrieved from: https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Electrolytic_Cells/Electrolysis