The Evolution of Single-Use Batteries

Early 19th Century

In the early 19th century, Italian scientist Alessandro Volta made a groundbreaking contribution to the field of batteries by creating the first true battery. His invention, known as the "Voltaic Pile," was a stack of alternating copper and zinc discs separated by cardboard or cloth soaked in saltwater. The Voltaic Pile was capable of producing a continuous electric current of approximately 0.76 volts, making it a pivotal development in the history of batteries. This invention laid the foundation for the modern concept of batteries and electrical power generation.

Mid-19th Century

French engineer Georges Leclanché introduced the carbon-zinc battery, sometimes also referred to as the Leclanché cell, in 1866. The Leclanché cell improved upon previous designs by using a zinc anode and a manganese dioxide cathode separated by a porous pot. This battery was more portable and significantly less messy than the Voltaic Pile, and it became the standard battery for many applications, such as early telegraph systems and telephones.

Late 19th Century

The late 19th century witnessed the introduction of two significant battery types: the lead-acid battery and the nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery. The lead-acid battery, invented by Gaston Planté in 1859, became widely used in the automotive industry and is still prevalent in vehicles today. Nickel-cadmium batteries, developed by Waldemar Jungner, offered a rechargeable option, making them valuable for portable electronic devices such as laptops and power tools.

Early 20th Century

The first lithium batteries were introduced in the early 20th century. Lithium batteries were first developed in the 1910s, but they had several issues with their functionality, namely with stability and safety as well as a rather short lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, which addressed many of these problems, were only commercially introduced in the 1990s and revolutionised portable electronics with their high energy density and rechargeability. John Goodenough, a world-class physicist and chemist, is often credited with the development of the lithium-ion battery.

Late 20th Century

In the late 20th century, the alkaline battery was introduced, representing a significant advancement in single-use battery technology. Alkaline batteries functioned far better than their lithium counterparts, offering longer shelf life, improved energy density, and the ability to deliver more consistent power over time compared to their predecessors. As technology continued to shrink in size, button cell batteries, which are smaller and more compact, were created to power various devices such as watches, calculators and hearing aids.