Nickel cadmium (NiCd) Batteries

The chemical reactions during discharge are:

At the cadmium electrode:
At the nickel electrode:
The net reaction during discharge is

During recharge, the reactions go from right to left.

The alkaline electrolyte (commonly KOH) is not consumed in this
reaction and therefore its specific gravity, unlike in leadacid
batteries, is not a guide to its state of charge.
Prof. R. Shanthini
09 Feb 2013

Nickel cadmium (NiCd) Batteries

Nickel cadmium batteries are a robust and proven alternative
to lead-acid batteries and rank alongside them in terms of
their maturity.
Longer cycle life, higher energy densities and low
maintenance requirements highlight superiority of NiCd
batteries in comparison with lead-acid batteries.
NiCd batteries offer many advantages in PV applications and
factors such as their cycling ability, durability, long life and
reliability make them ideal for operating under adverse
conditions.

Prof. R. Shanthini
09 Feb 2013

Energy and Buildings 42 (2010) 21242130

Nickel cadmium (NiCd) Batteries

Drawbacks:
- contain toxic heavy metals
- suffer from severe self-discharge

Prof. R. Shanthini
09 Feb 2013

Energy and Buildings 42 (2010) 21242130

Sodium sulphur (NaS) Batteries

Cathode: molten sulfur
Anode: molten sodium
Electrolyte: solid beta-alumina.

Beta-alumina solid electrolyte

(BASE) is a fast ion conductor
material used as a membrane in
several types of molten salt
electrochemical cell. Currently
there is no known substitute
available.
Prof. R. Shanthini
09 Feb 2013

Sodium sulphur (NaS) Batteries

During discharge, sodium ions produced at the negative

electrode are transported through the porous separator to the
liquid sulphur positive electrode, reducing some of the sulphur
to polysulphide ions.
Prof. R. Shanthini
09 Feb 2013