NiMH Battery - A Snapshot
A NiMH battery or Nickel-metal hydride battery is an advanced version of nickel hydrogen cell. It is a secondary electrochemical cell dependent on electrochemical reactions between cathode and anode.
The cathode in a NiMH battery is made up of an alloy which is hydrogen-absorbent and the anode is made up of nickel oxy-hydroxide. They are two to three times capable of a normal nickel cadmium battery but when compared to a lithium battery, they do not fare well as they are low in energy density and high in self-discharge.
The nominal charge capacity of a NiMH battery ranges from 1100 milli Ampere-hours to 2900 milli Ampere-hours at a voltage of 1.2. They are alkaline in nature with potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte.
The chemistry of NiMH battery is such that if overcharged for long, the hydrogen-absorbent cathode releases hydrogen gas because of excessive heat. This hydrogen gas can damage the shell of the battery and ooze out and is highly explosive. Thus, overcharging of NiMH battery should be avoided.
NiMH battery is also available in AAA and AA sizes and also with chargers. They are rechargeable as well as of single-use. Because of the high capacity, NiMH battery is used in a number of devices like robots, vehicles, digital cameras and high-output devices.
With low internal resistance and development of low self-discharge, high current applications are increasingly going for NiMH battery as they can easily handle quickly drawn currents. This battery is often substituted for alkaline and lithium ion batteries.
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