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Ni-Cad batteries

While they are no longer found on the consumer market, Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries were developed as the first rechargeable batteries available to the ordinary user.

They are still used in many important devices, such as medical equipment and alarm systems. However, for everyday use, Ni-Cad batteries have been replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as:

• Lithium ion batteries.
• NiMh batteries.
• Alkaline batteries.
• Lithium batteries.

Ni-Cad batteries contain potentially dangerous chemicals, and can release cadmium gas if they are disposed of incorrectly. That is why they are no longer available on the ordinary market.

Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and cope with high power demands means NiCad batteries are ideal for medical and industrial applications.

Styles of Ni-Cad battery

You can still buy some Ni-Cad batteries online, although they are less common than they once were. All of the most popular sizes of Ni-Cad batteries can be found, including:

• AAA batteries.
• AA batteries.
• 6v batteries.
• 9v batteries.
• 12v batteries.

In fact, automotive batteries in electric vehicles often use Ni-Cad technology.

Ni-Cad batteries can be recharged numerous times. However, they will eventually be unable to hold a charge. When this happens, they should be recycled as disposing of Ni-Cad batteries in other ways can damage the environment.

How Ni-Cad batteries were developed

Ni-Cad batteries were first introduced in 1899, as a method of providing a durable, reliable and easily portable source of power.

The batteries began to be produced on a large scale in the USA in 1946. The production line methods allowed for more research and development focusing on the batteries. This led to the creation of the modern style of Ni-Cad batteries, which are made of several layers of anode and cathode materials, which are rolled into a cylinder.

The batteries are now used primarily for specialised markets, as more environmentally friendly options are available to ordinary consumers.