New lithium batteries have built-in fire extinguishers
Lithium-ion batteries are a hot product for the renewable energy industry. Their high energy density allows them to store huge amounts of energy compared to their size, making it an essential choice for electric vehicles, smartphones and other rechargeable devices. Unfortunately, the heat of these same hot products sometimes becomes literal. The rechargeable batteries need two components for a chemical reaction to occur: a metallic lithium anode which oxidizes and releases electrons and an oxide cathode rich in nickel which loads these electrons. But another by-product is a flammable gas. If it is ignited, the intense flames can blaze for hours while releasing smoke plumes loaded with toxic chemicals. In some cases, a single lithium battery car fire requires up to 30,000 gallons of water to go out completely.
With this threat to mind, car engineers work continuously to improve conceptions and battery boxes. Some researchers argue that another protective layer can also stimulate battery safety. According to a study published on July 14 Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesThe integration of better extinguisher systems into lithium-ion batteries could offer effective safety and effective passengers for drivers and passengers.
A team led by the molecular chemist Ying Zhang of the Chinese Academy of Science Academy recently developed a prototype battery with infused cathodes of a flame retardant polymer. They then tested it against a standard lithium battery by gradually increasing their internal temperatures.
The devices both started to overheat after having exceeded 212 degrees Fahrenheit, but this is where the secret weapon of the prototype came into play. At this temperature, the specialized polymers inside the cathodes began to decompose, freeing radicals inhibitors of flames to remove the inevitable accumulation of inflammable gas. After spending 248 degrees, the standard chain reaction of the standard battery made it explode in 13 minutes, the flames finally reaching 1,832 degrees. On the other hand, the new prototype battery exceeded 428 degrees without ever setting fire.
“This intelligent gas management strategy improves both thermal security and electrochemical stability, offering a transformative route for batteries in Li-Five-Salues metal for advanced energy storage applications,” said study authors.
If it is evolving, the team design could help prevent countless battery fires by even preventing the initial flames, but it is this detail that will be the key to its success.
While some battery manufacturers are already line up their products with chemicals from the flame, previous studies indicate that they do not do much to actually avoid fires. In addition, these same chemicals can free even more toxins in the air when heated. In order for this latest design to work, engineers will have to ensure that their invention not only prevents fires, but does not generate the dangerous fumes that can come with the flames. At least so far, this seems to be the case.
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