Nikkelkaadmium

Nikkelkaadmium, often abbreviated as NiCd, refers to a type of rechargeable battery chemistry. These batteries utilize nickel oxyhydroxide and cadmium as electrodes. The electrolyte is typically an alkaline solution, commonly potassium hydroxide. NiCd batteries are known for their robustness and ability to deliver high discharge currents, making them suitable for power tools and older electronic devices.

A key characteristic of NiCd batteries is their "memory effect." This phenomenon occurs when the battery is repeatedly recharged after only a partial discharge. Over time, the battery can "remember" the shallow discharge point and may lose capacity, appearing to have a reduced runtime. To mitigate the memory effect, it is often recommended to fully discharge NiCd batteries before recharging them.

NiCd batteries have a relatively long cycle life, meaning they can be recharged many times before their capacity significantly degrades. However, their energy density is lower compared to newer battery technologies like lithium-ion. Furthermore, cadmium is a toxic heavy metal, which raises environmental concerns regarding the disposal and recycling of NiCd batteries. Due to these environmental and performance considerations, NiCd batteries have largely been replaced by alternative technologies in many consumer applications.