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Why EverExceed Ni-Cd Batteries Use Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) as Electrolyte
22 Aug 2025

When it comes to industrial-grade energy storage, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries remain a trusted choice thanks to their reliability, long service life, and excellent temperature tolerance. A critical factor behind this proven performance is the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as the electrolyte. At EverExceed, our advanced Ni-Cd batteries are engineered with optimized KOH formulations to maximize efficiency, durability, and safety.

1. Perfect Compatibility with Electrochemical Reactions

The charge and discharge reactions of Ni-Cd batteries require a strong alkaline environment. KOH provides the ideal medium (pH ≈ 14) for these redox reactions to occur efficiently:

· Positive electrode (nickel hydroxide):

NiOOH + H₂O + e⁻ ↔ Ni(OH)₂ + OH⁻

· Negative electrode (cadmium):

Cd + 2OH⁻ ↔ Cd(OH)₂ + 2e⁻

This ensures stable attachment of reaction products (Ni(OH)₂, Cd(OH)₂) on the electrodes, minimizing active material loss and enabling the long lifespan EverExceed Ni-Cd batteries are known for.

2. High Ionic Conductivity, Lower Internal Resistance

KOH dissociates almost completely in water, providing abundant OH⁻ and K⁺ ions. Compared with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), K⁺ ions move faster due to their smaller hydrated radius, resulting in:

· Higher conductivity: 0.2–0.3 S/cm at 30% concentration.

· Lower internal resistance: Faster charging and improved energy efficiency.

This gives EverExceed Ni-Cd batteries superior performance, particularly in applications demanding quick response and reliable backup.

3. Stable Electrodes with Fewer Side Reactions

KOH helps protect electrode integrity and minimize unwanted side reactions:

· Cadmium remains chemically stable in strong alkali.

· Nickel hydroxide maintains its crystal structure.

· Higher gas evolution overpotential reduces hydrogen/oxygen release, enabling sealed, low-maintenance designs. This means EverExceed Ni-Cd batteries operate safely and reliably for decades.

4. Wide Temperature Adaptability

Industrial environments often face extreme climates. With KOH, EverExceed Ni-Cd batteries deliver consistent performance across a wide range:

· Low-temperature resilience: Freezing point down to -30°C.

· High-temperature stability: Boiling point above 130°C, reducing electrolyte loss.

This makes them ideal for power plants, oil & gas, transportation, and emergency backup systems worldwide.

5. Superior Choice over Other Alkaline Electrolytes

While NaOH and LiOH are alternatives, KOH remains the most effective:

· Compared with NaOH: Higher ion mobility, better low-temperature behavior, stronger electrode compatibility.

· Compared with LiOH: Better solubility and lower cost for practical large-scale use.

That is why EverExceed continues to choose KOH as the electrolyte for its Ni-Cd solutions.


✅ Conclusion

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is not just a component—it is the key to Ni-Cd battery performance. By leveraging the advantages of KOH and combining it with EverExceed’s advanced engineering, our Ni-Cd batteries deliver:

· Exceptional cycle life

· High efficiency and safety

· Reliable operation in extreme conditions

With EverExceed Ni-Cd batteries, industries gain a long-term, dependable energy solution built on proven electrochemical science.

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