How Did Nickel Batteries Change Over Time?

Batteries have changed a great deal over time. In particular, nickel cadmium batteries and lithium ion batteries are examples of this change. Nickel Cadmium batteries are the older of the two batteries, however they are still used in a wide variety of products. One particular problem with these batteries is that, with extended use, they endure a memory build up, in that they need to be charged and discharged in order for extended usage. This is because, when the battery is not charged up to full capacity it can affect the performance of that battery, and next time it is used it will not last for its designed amount of time . The lithium ion batteries however, are much better at doing this. Lithium ions do not have the dreaded memory effect,

At the time they were created the materials needed were very expensive, and few were made for commercial use. In 1947 however, the first closed cell Nickel Cadmium battery was released, and this was amazing for the world. This battery could outlast anything, in fact it ‘is the only battery type that performs well under rigorous working conditions ’. The Nickel Cadmium battery was great for the time that it was created, and has been around for some time. However, as technology has improved, so have the world batteries, and Nickel Cadmium batteries are slowly becoming redundant.

Lithium Ion

It was only in 1970 when the first Lithium Ion batteries became accessible to society.

Lithium is the lightest metal, making it very practical to create batteries with. Its self-discharge is half of the Nickel Cadmium battery, making it even more practical. As well as this, it doesn’t not have the memory effect, making it long lasting and efficient.

Lithium Ion battery

In the lithium ion battery the anode is an oxide material such as LiCoO2 and the cathode is usually composed of

As these types of batteries become more commonly used, it is important to note the positive effects is has, and will have on various aspects of life. Compared to Nickel Cadmium batteries, Lithium Ion batteries are more efficient, easier to make and better for the environment. They are more efficient when comparing Watts per Kilogram. Lithium Ion batteries have around 240 up to 350 watts per kilogram, but Nickel Cadmium sits down at 150 watts per kilogram . Nickel Cadmium batteries also suffer from the memory effect. As stated previously the memory effect causes the life of the battery to diminish, meaning that it will begins the last shorter amounts of time. This means that Nickel Cadmium is not practical for everyday use and a better alternative is needed, such as Lithium Ion batteries. One problem with Lithium ion batteries is that ‘Lithium is flammable and highly reactive’. This means they can burn up easily, and will cause damage to the appliance they are