Electrochemical contributions: William W. Jacques (1855–1932)

Abstract

William W. Jacques was an American electrical engineer and chemist who designed in 1896 a very unusual fuel cell operated on solid (coal) fuel named by him a “carbon battery”. While the majority of fuel cells utilize gas (usually H₂) or liquid (e.g., ethanol) fuel, the “carbon battery” designed by Jacques was based on a carbon electrode operated as the fuel.

The battery consisted of 100 cells connected in series (Figure 1a) and placed on top of a furnace that kept the electrolyte temperature between 400–500°C (Figure 1b). The produced electrical output was 16 A at 90 V. Based on the experimental results, Jacques claimed ca. 82% efficiency for his carbon battery, but careful analysis considering the heat energy used in the furnace and the energy used to pump air (O₂ was an oxidizer) resulted in a much lower battery efficiency of ca. 8%.

Later research demonstrated that the current generated by his battery was not obtained through electrochemical reaction as suggested by Jacques, but rather through the thermoelectric effect. Several subsequent researchers have stated that Jacques's was the last notable attempt to derive electricity directly from coal.

The author declares that he has no conflict of interest.