Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used to power everything from smart watches to electric vehicles, thanks to the large amounts of energy they can store in small spaces. However, when overheated, they tend to catch fire or even explode. But recent research published in ACS’s Nano Letters offers a possible solution with new technology that can quickly brake a Li-ion battery, shutting it down when it gets too hot.
The chemistry found in many batteries is essentially the same: electrons are transferred through an electronic device in a circuit from one electrode in the battery to another. But in a Li-ion cell, the electrolyte liquid that separates these electrodes can evaporate when it overheats, causing a short circuit. In certain cases, a short circuit can lead to thermal runaway, a process in which the cell heats up uncontrollably. When multiple lithium-ion cells are connected together – such as in electric vehicles – thermal runaway can spread from one unit to another, resulting in a very large fire that is difficult to fight. To prevent this, some batteries now have safety features, such as external vents, temperature sensors or flame-resistant electrolytes. But these measures often either work too late or hurt performance. So Yapei Wang, Kai Liu and colleagues wanted to create a Li-ion battery that could be quickly turned off, but also perform as well as existing technologies.
The researchers used a thermally responsive shape memory polymer coated with a conductive copper spray to create a material that would transport electrons most of the time, but turn into an insulator when overheated. At about 197 F, a microscopic, 3D pattern programmed into the polymer appeared, breaking the copper layer and stopping the flow of electrons. This sealed the cell permanently, but prevented a potential fire. At this temperature, however, traditional cells continued to operate, putting them at risk of thermal runaway if they became hot again. Under regular operating temperatures, the battery with the new polymer maintained high conductivity, low resistance, and similar service life to the traditional battery. The researchers say this technology could make Li-ion batteries safer without sacrificing their performance.
The authors acknowledge funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Tsinghua University-China Petrochemical Corporation Joint Institute for Green Chemical Engineering, and Tsinghua-Foshan Special Innovation Fund.
Materials provided by the American Chemical Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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Why are lithium batteries so explosive?
ELECTROMOBILITY What makes lithium batteries explosive? Lithium batteries are extremely powerful and potentially explosive. When they are repeatedly charged, something called dendrites can form and can short circuit, causing the battery to catch fire.
Why do lithium batteries explode? As the heat of the fire increases, a process called thermal runaway can begin. This is where the heat generated inside the battery begins to exceed the amount dissipated elsewhere, potentially resulting in a battery explosion.
What is the biggest cause of lithium-ion batteries exploding?
Low-quality components and manufacturing defects remain one of the main causes of battery failure. Keeping batteries exposed to heat sources can be extremely dangerous as it can lead to an explosion. Another less common reason can be battery penetration, which can cause a short circuit and, ultimately, a fire.
How do you stop lithium batteries from exploding?
Remove devices and lithium batteries from the charger after they are fully charged. Store lithium batteries and devices in a dry and cool place. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices.
How often do lithium-ion batteries explode?
But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to tech reporting site CNET, your odds of a lithium battery catching fire are about 1 in 10 million.
Can lithium batteries explode randomly?
Fortunately, large explosions caused by Li-ion batteries are an uncommon occurrence. However, if they are exposed to the wrong conditions, there is a small chance that they will catch fire or explode.
How common is it for lithium batteries to explode?
According to tech reporting site CNET, your odds of a lithium battery catching fire are about 1 in 10 million.
What causes a lithium battery to explode?
However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. These battery packs tend to degrade much faster than usual due to the heat. If a lithium-ion battery fails, it will catch fire and can cause extensive damage.
How common are lithium battery fires?
Research by EV Firesafe suggests that passenger electric vehicles have a 0.0012% chance of catching fire: from 2010 to 2020, there were 104 confirmed EV fires and 24 under investigation, out of 10 million passenger EVs on the road.
How do you stop lithium batteries from exploding?
Remove devices and lithium batteries from the charger after they are fully charged. Store lithium batteries and devices in a dry and cool place. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices.
Do lithium batteries actually explode?
Lithium batteries are the most common rechargeable batteries today and power many devices and appliances, such as mobile phones, laptops and even electric cars. Although generally safe, lithium batteries can explode or catch fire, causing serious injury.
How do you keep lithium batteries from catching on fire?
Guidelines for the storage, disposal and handling of lithium-ion batteries to reduce the risk of fire
- Install the sprinkler guard. …
- Store at the correct temperature. …
- Do not store fully charged batteries for long periods. …
- Charge lithium-ion batteries in a safe area. …
- Cover battery terminals before disposing of batteries.
What causes lithium-ion batteries to catch fire? The electrodes are immersed in a liquid called electrolyte, which allows the movement of ions and consists of lithium salt and organic solvents. It is these organic solvents that are the biggest fire hazard in Li-ion batteries.
Can a fire extinguisher put out a lithium battery fire?
Lithium-ion batteries are considered a Class B fire, so a standard ABC or dry chemical extinguisher should be used.
Will baking soda put out a lithium battery fire?
If a fire occurs, turn off the appliance (if it is on), call the fire department, and then use an ABC or BC fire extinguisher (information) to extinguish the fire. As a last resort, use sand, catnip clay, baking soda, or (as a last resort) water.
How do firefighters put out battery fires?
Once a battery fails, it is impossible to turn off the failed cell because the chemical reaction inside the cell is happening too fast. The only way to stop thermal runaway is by directly cooling the involved cells to ensure that the failed cell does not cause the cells around it to fail as well.
Which of the following is the most ideal method to extinguish a Lithium battery fire?
For best results when extinguishing Li-ion fires, use a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC dry chemical, graphite powder, copper powder, or soda ash (sodium carbonate) as you would extinguish other flammable fires. Reserve Class D extinguishers for lithium metal fires only.
What precaution should you take with lithium batteries to prevent possible fires or damage?
Store lithium batteries and devices in a dry and cool place. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices. Before use, check for signs of damage, such as bulging/cracking, hissing, leaking, temperature rise and smoking, especially if they are wearable.
What is the main safety concern with lithium-ion batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire or explode if not charged safely.
What special precautions should be taken with lithium batteries?
Avoid charging the device around flammable materials, such as a bed, couch or paper. Charge your device with the power cable that came with it. Never keep lithium-ion batteries near heat sources or in high temperatures, such as direct sunlight, radiators or laptops.
Can lithium batteries cause fires?
There have been 66 injuries and five deaths in fires involving lithium-ion batteries this year, the FDNY said.
How likely will lithium batteries catch fire?
According to tech reporting site CNET, your odds of a lithium battery catching fire are about 1 in 10 million.
Can lithium batteries catch fire when not charging?
However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. These battery packs tend to degrade much faster than usual due to the heat. If a lithium-ion battery fails, it will catch fire and can cause extensive damage.
How likely are lithium-ion batteries to explode?
Fortunately, large explosions caused by Li-ion batteries are an uncommon occurrence. However, if they are exposed to the wrong conditions, there is a small chance that they will catch fire or explode.
Is it safe to have lithium batteries in your house?
Early in the development of lithium batteries there was a safety issue. However, with the advent of newer lithium technology, it is clear that lithium batteries are, in fact, safe.
Do lithium batteries emit toxic fumes? The research, published in Nano Energy, identified more than 100 toxic gases released by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, including carbon monoxide. Gases are potentially deadly, can cause severe irritation of the skin, eyes and nasal passages, and harm the wider environment.
Are lithium batteries safe indoors?
Like lithium solar batteries, sealed lead acid batteries like AGM are safe for indoor use.
What happens if you breathe in lithium battery fumes?
Higher exposures can cause fluid to build up in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which is a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. ⺠Exposure to lithium can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Do lithium batteries need ventilation?
While lithium batteries do not produce gas in the same way as the other two batteries, they still require ventilation to prevent thermal rejection. If the battery gets too hot, it can reach a critical condition and explode.
Can lithium batteries cause health problems?
Some possible lithium-ion battery materials are toxic, carcinogenic, or may undergo chemical reactions that produce dangerous heat or gases. Toxic materials include lithium compounds, nickel compounds, arsenic compounds, and dimethoxyethane.
Is lithium carcinogenic?
There is no information available about cancer caused by lithium treatment, and lithium is unlikely to be carcinogenic.
Do lithium batteries release toxins?
Li-ion batteries release a number of toxic substances14,15,16 as well as e.g. CO (gas gas) and CO2 (causes anoxia) during heating and fire.
Are lithium batteries hazardous to your health?
⺠Exposure to lithium can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. ⺠Lithium can cause headache, muscle weakness, twitching, blurred vision, loss of coordination, tremors, confusion, seizures and coma.
How do you store lithium batteries at home?
Batteries should be stored away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Keep the storage area ventilated and dry and maintain a relatively stable temperature. The ideal temperature for battery storage is around 59, but most room temperatures will do.
Is it safe to store lithium batteries in the house?
It is critical that lithium-ion batteries are stored in a cool, dry environment to maintain battery performance and safety. We therefore recommend storing batteries indoors, away from direct sunlight, excess heat, sources of ignition and flammable substances.
Should you remove lithium batteries when not in use?
Lithium-ion batteries are not 100% mechanically efficient. Therefore, not all ions layered in their electrodes manage to escape again. Over time, their ability to power their host deteriorates. It makes sense to remove the laptop’s lithium-ion battery when you’re not using it as a primary power source.
Is it better to store lithium batteries charged or uncharged?
Lithium-ion must be stored in a charged state, ideally at 40 percent. This prevents the battery from dropping below 2.50V per cell, triggering sleep mode. Discard the Li-ion if it stays below 2.00/V/cell for more than a week.
Can a fire extinguisher put out a lithium battery fire?
Lithium-ion batteries are considered a Class B fire, so a standard ABC or dry chemical extinguisher should be used.
Will baking soda put out a lithium battery fire? If a fire occurs, turn off the appliance (if it is on), call the fire department, and then use an ABC or BC fire extinguisher (information) to extinguish the fire. As a last resort, use sand, catnip clay, baking soda, or (as a last resort) water.
How do firefighters put out battery fires?
Once a battery fails, it is impossible to turn off the failed cell because the chemical reaction inside the cell is happening too fast. The only way to stop thermal runaway is by directly cooling the involved cells to ensure that the failed cell does not cause the cells around it to fail as well.
How do firefighters put out an EV fire?
To put out an electric vehicle fire, firefighters often have to spend hours dousing the car with water. One fire department reported using more than 28,000 gallons of water on a single electric vehicle fire—an amount equal to what a fire department typically uses in a month.
Why are battery fires so hard to put out?
All batteries, including lithium-ion, use positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte solution, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. What makes the lithium-ion battery more difficult to extinguish is the use of a highly flammable organic electrolyte, Reuters reported.
How are battery fires put out?
Small lithium batteries contain very little lithium, so they can be doused with water. For large lithium-ion battery fires, use a foam extinguisher containing CO2, graphite powder, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate.
Why can’t you put out a lithium battery fire?
Thanks to their chemical composition, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries release oxygen when heated and, if ignited, it is impossible to extinguish the flames with water or foam.
What happens if you put a lithium battery in a fire?
However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. These battery packs tend to degrade much faster than usual due to the heat. If a lithium-ion battery fails, it will catch fire and can cause extensive damage.
Can a lithium battery fire be put out?
Small lithium batteries contain very little lithium, so they can be doused with water. For large lithium-ion battery fires, use a foam extinguisher containing CO2, graphite powder, ABC dry chemical, or sodium carbonate.
Can you extinguish a lithium fire with water?
Immerse a burning battery in water. A successful method of extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire is to immerse the entire battery in water. However, it is important to note that it can also lead to toxic consequences.
Which of the following is the most ideal method to extinguish a Lithium battery fire?
For best results when extinguishing Li-ion fires, use a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC dry chemical, graphite powder, copper powder, or soda ash (sodium carbonate) as you would extinguish other flammable fires. Reserve Class D extinguishers for lithium metal fires only.
How do you extinguish a lithium battery fire on a plane?
Lithium-ion battery fires are considered a Class B flammable liquid fire. An ABC or BC fire extinguisher is effective against this type of fire. These fire extinguishers stop the chemical reaction in the lithium-ion battery and eventually stop the fire.
What is the best method to stop a lithium battery fire?
The only way to put out a lithium battery fire is to flood the battery with water. A lithium fire blanket will safely insulate a lithium fire battery for hours, until it can flood and go out.
What is the preferred method of extinguishing a fire involving batteries?
Immerse a burning battery in water. A successful method of extinguishing a lithium-ion battery fire is to immerse the entire battery in water.
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