INVESTIGATION OF "STEPPED" DISCHARGE CURVES IN SINTERED TYPE NICKEL-CADMIUM CELL

Formation of the nickel-cadmium alloy in the negative electrode of nickel-cadmium cell subjected to continuous charging at elevated temperatures ($40~45^{\circ}C$) is shown to be one of the causes of the 'stepped' discharge curves. The alloy has been characterized by electrode potential measurement and X-ray diffraction method. The potential lowering during discharge is related to discharge of the alloy. X -ray diffraction suggests that the nickel-cadmium alloy can be formed during charge in negative electrode by interaction of the two metals. Addition of Ni $(OH)_2$ into $Cd{\;}(OH)_2$ active material is found to form the alloy more readily than sintered negative electrode alone.ode alone.