Edison-Lalande cell

The Edison -Lalande element is a historical construction of an electrically non-rechargeable primary cells. It was developed by Thomas Edison, after preparatory work by Felix Lalande and Georges Chaperon, towards the end of the 19th century. The original cell of Lalande and Chaperon consisted of an electrode of zinc and powdered copper oxide and a liquid electrolyte of potassium hydroxide dissolved in the water. Edison improved design the structure by replacing the powdered copper by pressing pieces of copper. Later developments EDISION was the nickel-iron accumulator.

The cell voltage is in the Edison -Lalande element 0.75 V, which compared with other contemporary galvanic elements such as gravity Daniell cell having higher cell voltages represented a disadvantage of this is the internal resistance of the cell is smaller, and allows higher discharge.

Reaction equations

The effluent at the zinc anode oxidation during discharge is:

At the cathode, consisting of copper oxide reduction following occurs: