Used in electroplating processes to deposit cadmium metal coatings on steel and other metals, providing corrosion resistance, especially in aerospace and automotive industries. Employed as an electrolyte in cadmium-nickel (Cd-Ni) rechargeable batteries due to its ionic conductivity. Serves as a source of cadmium ions in analytical chemistry for calibration and testing. Utilized in the preparation of pigments and in some specialized chemical synthesis where sulfate ions and cadmium are required in solution form. Also used in certain types of solar cells, such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar cells, and semiconductor materials during research and development stages. Note: Cadmium compounds are highly toxic and environmentally hazardous; handle with extreme care.