The sheer popularity of these rechargeable batteries often raises the question, “What’s the difference between NiCAD and NiMH batteries?”
To summarize, the main differences between NiCAD and NiMH batteries deal with capacity, memory effect, and environmental friendliness.
Nickel-metal hydride (NIMH) batteries have a higher capacity than nickel-cadmium (NICAD) batteries, which means that they can generally power your device for longer. They also don’t suffer from the same memory effect, so they won’t “forget” the ability to achieve a full charge over time. Finally, NiMH batteries are much better for the environment than their NiCAD battery counterparts. Difference Between NiCad and NiMH
However, nickel-cadmium still offers some advantages over nickel-metal hydride, such as their extreme temperature performance.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCAD) Batteries
The world’s first NiCad battery was developed by a Swedish scientist
in 1899. Needless to say, there have been many improvements since then.
A standard nickel-cadmium battery is composed of a nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide positive electrode plate, a cadmium negative electrode plate, a separator, and a potassium hydroxide electrolyte.
Common uses: Some popular applications of NiCAD batteries are toys, emergency lighting, medical equipment, commercial and industrial products, electric razors, two-way radios, power tools, and more.
Benefits: Here’s an overview of some of the advantages of NiCAD batteries:
Relatively inexpensive
Charge very quickly, simple to charge
Easy to store, easy to ship
Take a high number of charges
Functional in low temperatures
Drawbacks: And here are some of their shortcomings:
Not as powerful as some other rechargeable batteries
Self-discharge while in storage
Contain toxic metals that are harmful to the environment
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
NiMH batteries are a much more modern phenomenon. Research and
development began at the Battelle-Geneva Research Center in 1967, and
was satisfactorily completed in 1987.
The chemical composition of a standard nickel-metal hydride battery looks like this: a nickel hydroxide positive electrode plate, a hydrogen ion negative electrode plate, a separator, and an alkaline electrolyte such as potassium hydroxide.
Common uses: These include automotive batteries, medical instruments, pagers, cell phones, camcorders, digital cameras, electric toothbrushes, and other low-cost consumer devices.
Benefits: Here’s a look at a few of the advantages of going with a NIMH battery:
Quite a high capacity compared to other rechargeable batteries
Resists both over-charging and over-discharging
Extremely lightweight construction
Friendly to the environment: no hazardous chemicals like cadmium, mercury, or lead
Drawbacks: And here are some of the limitations:
More expensive than other rechargeable models
Self-discharge rapidly while in storageDifference Between NiCad and NiMH
Cut power suddenly rather than a slow trickle down
Some only work with manufacturer’s charger
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