(Invited) Some Observations on the History of Electrochemistry in Europe

Abstract

Modern electrochemistry is generally regarded as having its origins in the work of the Italian scientists Galvani (1737 – 1798) and Volta (1745 – 1827). Their discoveries led directly to the invention (1799) by Volta of the voltaic pile, a primitive form of what we now call a battery. This invention greatly facilitated electrical experimentation and quickly led to a host of other electrochemical discoveries such as the electrolysis of water (Nicholson and Carlisle in 1800, although it was first demonstrated in 1789 by Deiman and van Troostwijk using an electrostatic generator), isolation of elemental alkali and alkaline earth metals (Davy, 1807–1808) and electroplating (Brugnatelli, 1805). The work of Davy (1778 – 1829) and of Faraday (1791 – 1867) greatly advanced the understanding of electrochemistry and Faraday’s laws of electrolysis (1833) put the field on a quantitative basis. This was followed by a long succession of electrochemical discoveries that has continued to the present.Scientists such as Daniell (1790 – 1845), Grove (1811 – 1896), Leclanché (1839 – 1882) and Planté (1834 – 1889) made early improvements to batteries; of course, research and development of batteries remains an important area of electrochemistry. Historically, batteries were the primary source of electric current until practical electric dynamos became available in about 1870. Electroplating developed as a practical technology from about 1840, initially for electrodeposition of copper on printing plates. From 1893 to 1948, the international standard for electric current was based on electrodeposition of silver. Furthermore, an electrochemical cell invented by Weston (1850 – 1936) was adopted as the reference standard for voltage in 1903 and remained so until 1990 when it was replaced by a Josephson junction standard.The science of electrochemistry experienced rapid growth from the 19th century on, with major contributions from European scientists including Kohlrausch (1840 – 1910), Ostwald (1853 – 1932), Arrhenius (1859 – 1927), Tafel (1862 – 1918), Nernst (1864 – 1941), and Heyrovský (1890 – 1967), to mention but a few. In this talk, I will attempt to trace the evolution of electrochemistry and discuss some of the major landmarks and the European scientists who made important contributions. I will also comment on how equipment and methodology have changed over the last half-century.