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| Nickel Cadmium - NiCd|
Nickel Cadmium is one of the oldest styles of rechargeable batteries. Many cell manufacturers have discontinued production of this type of battery due to its environmental impact. It uses nickel oxide in its positive (cathode), a cadmium compound in its negative electrode (anode), and a potassium hydroxide solution in its electrolyte. Sanyo first introduced its version of NiCd batteries, Cadnica, in 1963.
Nickel-Cadmium batteries are very durable and reliable. You may slow or fast charge most NiCd's, but some manufacturers make different types of cells specifically for rapid charging or specifically for slow charging. NiCd battery performance is improved dramatically by interspersing discharge pulses between charge pulses. This is known as "burp" or "reverse load" charging. This method of charging allows the battery to more efficiently degass while charging.
NiCd batteries should not be left in a charger for more than 30 hours. Also, NiCd batteries should not be subjected to shallow discharge (i.e. using the battery for a short period of time, then recharging). This type of use may result in crystalline formation inside the battery which will diminish performance. This is known as the "memory effect".