Electrochemistry
Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries utilize cadmium for the anode, nickel oxyhydroxide for the cathode, and aqueous potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries employ graphite as the anode, lithium oxide for the cathode, and a lithium salt as the electrolyte. During discharge, lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and the reverse occurs during charging.
Key Facts
- Electrochemistry:
- Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries use cadmium for the anode, nickel oxyhydroxide for the cathode, and aqueous potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte.
- Lithium-ion batteries use graphite as the anode, lithium oxide for the cathode, and a lithium salt as the electrolyte. Lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.
- Environmental Impact:
- NiCad batteries contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, which requires special care during battery disposal. The federal government classifies it as hazardous waste.
- Lithium-ion batteries are environmentally safe as lithium is nonhazardous waste.
- Cost:
- Lithium-ion batteries cost about 40 percent more to manufacture compared to NiCad batteries due to the extra protection circuit required.
- Operation and Performance:
- NiCad batteries suffer from a “memory effect” if they are discharged and recharged to the same state of charge several times. This can cause the voltage to suddenly drop during subsequent use, but the capacity of the battery does not reduce substantially.
- NiCad batteries can last for 1,000 cycles or more before their capacity drops below half its original capacity.
- Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged before they are fully discharged without experiencing a “memory effect”.
- Lithium-ion batteries have a lower self-discharge rate compared to NiCad batteries.
- Sizes and Types:
- NiCad cells are available in various sizes, ranging from AAA to D, and are used in a wide range of applications.
- Lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter, and provide more energy than NiCad batteries. They are available in different shapes and sizes, including small cylindrical, large cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic formats.
Environmental Impact
NiCad batteries contain cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, which necessitates special care during battery disposal. The federal government classifies it as hazardous waste. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries are environmentally safe since lithium is nonhazardous waste.
Cost
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher manufacturing cost compared to NiCad batteries, approximately 40% more. This difference is attributed to the additional protection circuit required in lithium-ion batteries to monitor voltage and current.
Operation and Performance
NiCad batteries exhibit a “memory effect” when repeatedly discharged and recharged to the same state of charge. This can result in a sudden voltage drop during subsequent use, although the battery capacity remains largely unaffected. NiCad batteries can endure up to 1,000 cycles before their capacity drops below half of its original value.
In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are low-maintenance and do not suffer from the “memory effect”. They can be recharged before being fully discharged without experiencing this issue. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have a lower self-discharge rate compared to NiCad batteries.
Sizes and Types
NiCad cells come in various sizes, ranging from AAA to D, and are widely used in different applications. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are smaller, lighter, and provide more energy than NiCad batteries. They are available in various shapes and sizes, including small cylindrical, large cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic formats.
Conclusion
Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages over NiCad batteries, including a lack of “memory effect”, lower self-discharge rate, and a wider range of sizes and types. However, they are more expensive to manufacture due to the additional protection circuit required. NiCad batteries, while less expensive, have a shorter lifespan and suffer from the “memory effect”. Ultimately, the choice between lithium-ion and NiCad batteries depends on the specific application and the user’s requirements.
References
- https://homeshowradio.com/nicad-vs-lithium-ion-cordless-tools/
- https://www.diffen.com/difference/Li-ion_vs_NiCad
- https://www.tycorun.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nicad-vs-lithium-battery
FAQs
What is the difference between lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries use graphite as the anode, lithium oxide for the cathode, and a lithium salt as the electrolyte. NiCad batteries, on the other hand, utilize cadmium for the anode, nickel oxyhydroxide for the cathode, and aqueous potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte.
Which battery type is more environmentally friendly?
Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly as they do not contain toxic heavy metals like cadmium, which is found in NiCad batteries.
Do lithium-ion batteries last longer than nickel-cadmium batteries?
Yes, lithium-ion batteries typically have a longer lifespan than NiCad batteries. They can endure up to 1,000 cycles before their capacity drops below half of its original value, while NiCad batteries have a lifespan of around 500 cycles.
Are lithium-ion batteries more expensive than nickel-cadmium batteries?
Yes, lithium-ion batteries are generally more expensive to manufacture compared to NiCad batteries. This is due to the additional protection circuit required in lithium-ion batteries to monitor voltage and current.
Do lithium-ion batteries have a “memory effect” like nickel-cadmium batteries?
No, lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the “memory effect” like NiCad batteries. This means they can be recharged before being fully discharged without experiencing a reduction in capacity.
Which battery type is better for high-drain applications?
Lithium-ion batteries are better suited for high-drain applications due to their ability to deliver high currents without compromising performance. NiCad batteries, on the other hand, may struggle to provide sufficient power in such applications.
Are lithium-ion batteries lighter than nickel-cadmium batteries?
Yes, lithium-ion batteries are generally lighter than NiCad batteries of the same capacity. This makes them ideal for portable devices and applications where weight is a concern.
Which battery type is more widely used in consumer electronics?
Lithium-ion batteries are more widely used in consumer electronics due to their higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lack of “memory effect”. They are commonly found in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.