Electrochemical contributions: Ludwig Mond (1839−1909)

The general concept of fuel cells starts from the experiments of British physicist William Grove who published the first results on fuel cells in 1839. He used hydrogen and oxygen as a fuel and oxidizer, respectively, reacting on platinum catalytic electrodes and generating electric power. However, his research was considered only as scientific proof of the process reversed to the water electrolysis with no practical importance. Indeed, the cell invented by Grove produced a very small current and voltage over a short time. Obviously, after the concept demonstration, some engineering had to be done for improving the cell efficiency to make it feasible for practical use.

During the late 1880s, two British chemists, Ludwig Mond and his assistant Carl Langer (Figure 1), developed a fuel cell with a longer service life with improved geometry of the catalytic electrodes and flow channels (Figure 2). They used the known scientific concept from Grove's cell, but with the improved engineering. Their fuel cell generated 6 amps per square foot current density and 730 mV voltage. The cell operated with coal-derived gas as a fuel and air (actually oxygen in the air) as an oxidizer. The cell was filled with diluted sulfuric acid and included thin perforated platinum electrodes separated with a porous nonconducting membrane. The first engineered fuel cell was demonstrated and patented in 1889. Note that Ludwig Mond and Carl Langer were the first to introduce the term “fuel cell” which is commonly used now.

The author declares that he has no conflict of interest.