NiCd batteries have become increasingly popular in small electronics.
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are a form of rechargeable battery that has been in production since the early 1900s. Because of their ability to store large amounts of electricity and withstand up to 2,000 charging cycles, NiCd batteries are commonly used in many small electronic devices and handheld tools. For many reasons, NiCd batteries have proven to be more useful than their lead-acid predecessors.
History and Development
The first NiCd battery was created in 1899 by Swedish engineer Ernst Waldemar Jungner. Several prototype improvements led to a battery that was much more energy-dense than the traditional lead-acid battery of the time. In 1901, Thomas Edison adopted the battery technology and introduced the first nickel-cadmium battery to America. Commercial production of the NiCd battery began in the U.S. in 1946.
Hazards
When using NiCd batteries, there is the possibility of overcharging the cell. When overcharging occurs, hydrogen and oxygen can be released. This gas release can cause the cell to explode its contents, injuring anyone nearby. The cadmium that NiCd batteries require is an extremely toxic heavy metal. Exposure to cadmium contained within NiCd batteries can cause neurological problems and has been linked to cancer.
Chemistry
Modern NiCd batteries are constructed in a cylindrical shape. Positive and negative electrode plates are contained inside the metal cylinder in rolls. These rolls are suspended in an aqueous solution called an electrolyte. This solution is conductive, and allows electricity to flow between the electrodes.
Uses
NiCd batteries have a high-energy density. This means that the amount of electricity they can contain is very high in contrast to other batteries of similar size. Their high-energy density makes NiCd batteries optimal for electric motors and handheld power tools. Unlike other types of rechargeable batteries, NiCd batteries provide a more constant supply of electricity during their discharge cycles. This allows for a steady energy source for power-hungry devices such as model airplanes and other toy vehicles.
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