Zinc-carbon batteries such as Gassner pioneered became popular primary cells, although it was not possible to recharge them. They also had relatively short lives and this limited their applications. Canadian engineer Lewis Urry applied his mind to developing a longer-lasting alkaline battery in 1955. However, since he was in the employ of Union Carbide he is a largely unsung hero of battery history.
The Little We Know About Canadian Lewis Urry
Lewis Frederick Urry came into the world at Pontypool, Ontario Canada on January 19, 1927. He studied chemical engineering at University of Toronto after a wartime period in the military. A few months later he took a job at Union Carbide in Toronto. We remember him for inventing alkaline and lithium batteries during his career.
Back at home, it seems Lewis Urry was a true professional and family man. He left no historic photos of himself, or of his laboratory we could find. However, he did father three sons and two daughters with his wife Beverley Ann. With that behind us, we turn our attention to his great invention, the alkaline battery.
DO NOT attempt this experiment without personal protective equipment, and responsible adult supervision.
The Story Behind the First Alkaline Battery
Lewis Urry was twenty-three years old when he joined National Carbide Company manufacturing zinc-carbon batteries in Toronto. His initial task was to improve their short lifespan, which was denting their sales. However, he perceived it would be more cost-effective to begin with a clean slate.
And so he relocated to parent company Union Carbide’s Parma, Ohio laboratory in 1955, to experiment with alkaline materials. He focused his attention there on zinc and manganese-dioxide electrodes, teamed with an alkaline electrolyte. His breakthrough occurred when he used powdered zinc for the anode. The rest as they say, went down in the annals of battery history.
More Information
Edison NiFe Batteries in More Detail
Gassner’s Battery Fit for a Door Bell
Preview Image: Schematic of Alkaline Battery
