 In 2009 , 86 % of cadmium was used in batteries , predominantly in <unk> nickel @-@ cadmium batteries . <unk> @-@ cadmium cells have a nominal cell potential of 1 @.@ 2 V. The cell consists of a positive nickel hydroxide <unk> and a negative cadmium <unk> plate separated by an alkaline electrolyte ( potassium hydroxide ) . The European Union put a limit on cadmium in electronics in 2004 of 0 @.@ 01 % , with some exceptions , and reduced the limit on cadmium content to 0 @.@ 002 % . 
