Cadmium

Cadmium is a soft, malleable, ductile, silvery-white divalent metal. It is similar in many respects to zinc but forms complex compounds. Unlike most other metals, cadmium is resistant to corrosion and is used as a protective plate on other metals.

Cadmium became an important metal in the production of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries and as a sacrificial corrosion-protection coating for iron and steel. Common industrial uses for cadmium today are in batteries, alloys, coatings (electroplating), solar cells, plastic stabilizers, and pigments.

Hydrogen

Identity.

Cadmium's chemical symbol is Cd, not to be confused with the elements C (carbon) and Ca (calcium). Cadmium is element 48, meaning that each cadmium atom contains 48 protons in its nucleus. In its pure form, cadmium is a white/silver colored metal with a mass of 112.41 grams per mole.

History.

Silver has been prized by humans for millennia, with evidence of its use dating back to around 4000 BC. Early civilizations in the Middle East and Asia Minor valued silver for its beauty and malleability, crafting it into jewelry, ornaments, and even tools.

Throughout history, silver has played a significant role in various cultures. It was often used as a form of currency, with coins minted from silver serving as a medium of exchange. Silver's luster and resistance to tarnishing also made it desirable for decorative objects and tableware. In the modern era, silver's unique properties have led to its use in a wide range of industrial applications, including photography, electronics, and medicine.

Paracelsus

Usage.

  • Pigments: Cadmium compounds were once widely used to create vibrant yellow, orange, and red pigments in paints, plastics, and ceramics.
  • Photovoltaic cells: Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is still used in some types of solar cells due to its high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity.
  • Nuclear reactors: Cadmium control rods are used in some reactors to absorb neutrons and control the fission process.
Some of the benefits of using cadmium are:

Cadmium became an important metal in the production of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries and as a sacrificial corrosion-protection coating for iron and steel. Common industrial uses for cadmium today are in batteries, alloys, coatings (electroplating), solar cells, plastic stabilizers, and pigments.

Sources.