Elements Used in Stacks of Past, Present and Future – Quartz

Stacks are energy reserves created by the interaction of different elements at the atomic level. Since the first battery was invented in 1799 using only copper and zinc, researchers have exploited many other elements, each with its unique properties, for use in batteries.

Some elements, such as lithium and nickel, can be used to make many types of batteries. Others, like vanadium and cadmium, are only used, to date, in one type of pile each. And the vast majority of elements, such as rare gases, do not have the proper chemical properties or, just like silver and gold, are simply too expensive to use in batteries.

In the periodic table below, we briefly described the major battery types, including key historical examples, the most commonly used forms nowadays, and advanced chemistries that could change the game in the future. In each battery, there are four components: two electrodes (anode and cathode), a separator (to avoid short circuits) and an electrolyte (to move the charges between the electrodes). For the periodic table, we focused on the elements that make up the cathode, the anode and the "support", the material that moves the charge between the electrodes (which is often something in the electrolyte).

To be sure, this list of batteries is not exhaustive. We are sure we have forgotten some types of batteries. If you would like to help us develop our database or correct errors, please fill out the form below to send candidate candidates.