Nickel-cadmium

What does Nickel-cadmium mean?

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) is a type of rechargeable battery that uses nickel(II) oxide hydroxide (NiOOH) and metallic cadmium (Cd) as its active materials. It is a Secondary cell, meaning it can be recharged multiple times. NiCd batteries are known for their high energy density, long cycle life (Up to 1,000 charge-discharge cycles), and ability to withstand harsh conditions.

The electrochemical reactions in a NiCd battery are as follows:

Discharge: NiOOH + Cd + 2H2O → Ni(OH)2 + Cd(OH)2

Charge: Ni(OH)2 + Cd(OH)2 → NiOOH + Cd + 2H2O

NiCd batteries are typically cylindrical in shape and have a Voltage of 1.2 volts per cell. They are commonly used in portable electronics, such as power tools, cordless phones, and laptops.

Applications

NiCd batteries are important in technology today due to their high energy density and long cycle life. They are often used in applications where a compact, powerful battery is required, such as:

• Portable electronics: NiCd batteries are commonly used in power tools, cordless phones, laptops, and other portable devices.
• Industrial applications: NiCd batteries are used in industrial equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and electric vehicles.
• Aerospace: NiCd batteries are used in aerospace applications, such as satellites and space shuttles.

History

The first NiCd battery was developed in 1899 by the Swedish inventor Waldemar Jungner. However, it was not until the 1950s that NiCd batteries became commercially viable.

In the 1960s and 1970s, NiCd batteries were the dominant type of rechargeable battery used in consumer electronics. However, in the 1980s, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries began to replace NiCd batteries in many applications. NiMH batteries have a higher energy density and a lower self-discharge Rate than NiCd batteries.

Today, NiCd batteries are still used in a variety of applications where their high energy density and long cycle life are important.