Capturing and stocking power is not a new concept. While ancient tales put genies in bottles, modern scientists work to store energy in batteries.
Over 200 years ago...
In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the voltaic pile by stacking pieces of zinc and copper on top of another and using cardboard or felt spacers soaked in salt water (the electrolyte) as separators. This became the world's first electromechanical cell. The word “battery” came to refer to a number of linked cells.
The first few batteries released an electrical current due to the fact that one metal had more potential (was more reactive) than the other. However, the current dropped as the battery's metallic plates oxidized and the electrolyte changed chemical properties. For years, scientists looked for a way to keep these plates clean in order to preserve current.
Following various attempts and prototypes, the concept of “redox” (reduction-oxidation) came about and started to spread. Materials and electrolytes were switched to optimize the chemical reaction inside the battery. In 1888, Carl Gassner used a solidifying agent called agar-agar to create a dry cell that didn't leak.
Batteries as we know them
The alkaline dry battery using the zinc/manganese dioxide chemistry was invented in 1959 by a Canadian engineer named Lewis Urry, who was working with Karl Kordesch at Union Carbide. Forty years later, Urry agreed to have the prototype of his battery on display at the Smithsonian in Washington.
Over 200 years ago...
In 1800, Alessandro Volta invented the voltaic pile by stacking pieces of zinc and copper on top of another and using cardboard or felt spacers soaked in salt water (the electrolyte) as separators. This became the world's first electromechanical cell. The word “battery” came to refer to a number of linked cells.
The first few batteries released an electrical current due to the fact that one metal had more potential (was more reactive) than the other. However, the current dropped as the battery's metallic plates oxidized and the electrolyte changed chemical properties. For years, scientists looked for a way to keep these plates clean in order to preserve current.
Following various attempts and prototypes, the concept of “redox” (reduction-oxidation) came about and started to spread. Materials and electrolytes were switched to optimize the chemical reaction inside the battery. In 1888, Carl Gassner used a solidifying agent called agar-agar to create a dry cell that didn't leak.
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| Photo: Toyota |
Batteries as we know them
The alkaline dry battery using the zinc/manganese dioxide chemistry was invented in 1959 by a Canadian engineer named Lewis Urry, who was working with Karl Kordesch at Union Carbide. Forty years later, Urry agreed to have the prototype of his battery on display at the Smithsonian in Washington.