Daniell, John Frederic (1790–1845)

The Daniell cell was the first reliable battery, supplying a steady current for a long time. It quickly became the standard form of battery after 1836.

British chemist and meteorologist who invented a primary electrical cell in 1836. The Daniell cell consists of a central zinc cathode dipping into a porous pot containing zinc sulphate solution. The porous pot is, in turn, immersed in a solution of copper sulphate contained in a copper can, which acts as the cell's anode. The use of a porous barrier prevents polarization (the covering of the anode with small bubbles of hydrogen gas) and allows the cell to generate a continuous current of electricity.

The Daniell cell was the first reliable source of direct-current electricity.

Daniell was born in London and privately educated. He was the first professor of chemistry at King's College, London 1831–45.

Daniell's other work included the development of improved processes for sugar manufacturing; investigations into gas generation by the distillation of resin dissolved in turpentine; and inventing a new type of dew-point hygrometer for measuring humidity (1820) and a pyrometer for measuring the temperatures of furnaces (1830). He also studied the behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere; gave an explanation of trade winds; researched into the meteorological effects of solar radiation and of the cooling of the Earth; suggested improvements for several meteorological instruments; and pointed out the importance of humidity in the management of greenhouses.