Theodor Grotthuss: brilliance against all odds

Abstract

Theodor Grotthuss (1785–1822) was a Lithuanian chemist and physicist who made hugely important and lasting contributions to the fields of fundamental electrochemistry, photochemistry and thermodynamics in his lifetime. He produced visionary work despite being persistently disadvantaged compared to his contemporaries. This article will discuss key moments in Grotthuss’ personal and scientific story, starting with an introduction setting the scene of early 19th century electrochemistry with the invention of the Voltaic Pile by Alessandro Volta.