Where does cadmium come from makes for an unusual story of its own. It is a relatively uncommon element and is seldom the main product of a mine. Instead, cadmium is a by-product of zinc ore mining.
Cadmium Occurs Naturally Alongside Zinc
Cadmium occurs naturally alongside zinc, because the two elements have similar chemical properties. Small amounts of cadmium replace zinc within the crystal structure of zinc minerals, particularly sphalerite.
The Material Was Found In Germany In 1817
Friedrich Stromeyer, a professor of chemistry, discovered cadmium in Germany in 1817. While examining zinc compounds, he noticed an unexpected color change when he heated some samples. So now you know where cadmium comes from.
Further investigation revealed that an unknown element was responsible for this phenomenon. Stromeyer, named it cadmium, after cadmia, an ancient name associated with zinc ore.
There Were Relatively Limited Uses Initially
For much of the nineteenth century, cadmium had relatively limited uses. Its compounds were valued for their bright colors, while the metal itself found applications in alloys and protective coatings.
Cadmium’s importance changed when rechargeable battery researchers began looking for alternatives to lead-acid batteries.
Cadmium Had An Unusual Combination Of Properties
Cadmium had an unusual combination of properties that made it attractive as a battery material. It could participate in a reversible electrochemical reaction, when used with an alkaline electrolyte.
Combined with a nickel-based positive electrode, cadmium offered a route towards a rechargeable battery. One that worked differently from lead-acid batteries.
There Was, However, a Major Complication
There was, however, a major complication that would become increasingly important many decades later. Cadmium is toxic and requires careful handling and recycling.
In 1899, though, that environmental problem was still far in the future. What mattered to inventors was that nickel and cadmium appeared to form a promising partnership. Swedish scientist Waldemar Jungner was about to put that idea to the test.
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