Energy on demand: A brief history of the development of the battery

Portable, readily available electrical energy provided by batteries is ubiquitous in modern society and can easily be taken for granted. From the early Voltaic piles to modern lithium ion cells, batteries have been powering scientific and technological advancement for over two centuries. A survey of select notable developments leading to modern batteries commercially available today are presented, with emphasis on early technologies and also including some of the advancements made within the last few decades. A brief discussion of the chemistry utilized by battery technology is also included.