The discussion centers on the search for materials that significantly retract when an electric current is applied. The initial focus is on electrolytic cells, where an electric current induces oxidation-reduction reactions, such as the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. It is clarified that in these reactions, the conduction of electricity is facilitated by ions from dissolved electrolytes, not the water itself. A specific example provided is liquid sodium chloride, which produces sodium metal and chlorine gas when current passes through it. The conversation shifts towards the desire for a rubber-like material that exhibits retraction in response to electric current, indicating a need for further exploration of materials with such properties.
