Lithium-ion batteries are the solution developed to power most of our devices today, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and even power tools. Li-ion rechargeable batteries are extremely popular because of their characteristics, which include high energy density, durability, and many charge cycles reason for lithium-Ion batteries explode.
However, as with so many areas, great power also brings the odd opportunity for failure, and in lithium-ion batteries, that failure can occasionally be an explosion. These exploding batteries are not only a severe threat but can cause huge damage and injuries.
We will delve into the main reasons why lithium-ion batteries explode, explaining the science behind these occurrences and precautions that might be taken to prevent them.
Common Causes of Lithium-Ion Battery Explosions
While lithium-ion batteries are safe, certain conditions can put them into this potentially catastrophic failure known to humankind as a thermal runaway. This failure consists of a set of events that include overheating, catching fire, or lithium-ion batteries explode. Some of the common causes are at this moment presented.
1. Internal Short Circuit
Internal short circuits top the list of leading reasons for Li-ion battery explosions. This happens when the separator that keeps the anode and cathode apart fails, hence allowing them to get in contact directly.
Whenever this happens, a fast release of energy stored in the battery can happen, leading to a lot of heat being released. Heat causes the electrolyte to vaporize; thus, the pressure rapidly increases inside the battery.
- In case the pressure exceeds the allowed limits, the battery may burst and explode. The internal short circuits can be caused by:
- The small metal particles or other impurities that enter during the manufacture may puncture the separator and cause a short circuit.
- The separator of the battery can be damaged by dropping or puncturing the battery, which may cause the anode to meet the cathode.
- Lithium-ion battery materials degrade with time, increasing the danger of a possible short circuit.
2. Overcharge
An overcharge in a lithium-ion battery can also trigger an explosion. Overcharge of the battery means that during charging, the voltage across its terminals is increased more than the recommended value by the manufacturer. This leads to lithium metal deposition on the anode and is termed lithium plating. Lithium plating can promote dendrite formation—these are needle-like structures that can pierce the separator, causing a short circuit.
Apart from lithium plating, overcharging can also cause the decomposition of the electrolyte with the formation of gasses rising in the battery. If the pressure is too large, the battery may rupture, and that will result in an explosion.
Most Li-ion batteries include protection circuits that cut off the power supply when it is full to prevent overcharge. However, in case of failure or bypassing of these circuits, an overcharge will most likely occur.
3. Overheating (Thermal Runaway)
Thermal runaway is a self-sustaining reaction developed from one lithium-ion battery having overheated. It, therefore, may be triggered by external factors such as fire and by internal factors like a short circuit or overcharge of a cell. When a battery goes to thermal runaway, its internal temperature rises fast, and hence, the electrolyte starts to break up and release gasses.
These gasses can cause the battery to swell and finally rupture, leading to an explosion. The heat from thermal runaway may further ignite the flammable electrolyte and cause a fire extinguisher.
Especially insidious in this thermal runaway nature is its ability to propagate from one cell to others in a multi-cell battery pack, in effect, a chain reaction of explosions.
4. Over discharging
Overcharge of a lithium-ion battery refers to the state of a cell below its safe voltage limit. During this process, copper at the anode begins to dissolve in the electrolyte, leading to metallic copper deposits.
These deposits can create an internal short circuit. Hence, the risks of thermal runaway increase. The process of overcharging can also be responsible for the growth of dendrites. Which may puncture the separator and cause a short circuit.
Most lithium-ion batteries contain protection circuits that shut off power when voltage drops too low to prevent overcharging. These circuits can, however, fail due to poor design or if it is a wrong battery.
5. External Factors
Other external factors that may cause an explosion in lithium-ion batteries explode are high temperatures, physical damage, and exposure to water. High temperatures raise the rate of the chemical reaction in the battery, hence increasing the possibility of thermal runaway.
Physical damage may puncture the battery and cause an internal short circuit. Water may break down the electrolyte to produce gasses, hence increasing pressure inside the battery.
How to Prevent Lithium-Ion Batteries Explode
While lithium-ion battery explode is rare, here are a few ways you can minimize the chances:
1. Quality Batteries
The easiest way to prevent your battery from blowing up is to use good-quality batteries from reputable manufacturers. Wrong or poorly made batteries are more likely to have flaws that can cause them to go boom.
2. Avoid Physical Damage
Do not drop, puncture, or hit your lithium-ion batteries in any manner. A damaged battery should not be used, and it needs to be properly disposed of.
3. Do Not Overcharge or over-discharge
Never overcharge or overcharge your batteries. Never use chargers that will not work with your battery. Do not use other device’s chargers.
4. Store Batteries Properly
Store your batteries in a cool and dry place and away from any sunlight or heat sources. Never store batteries fully charged or fully discharged for extended periods.
5. Use Protection Circuits
Be sure that the batteries have protection circuits intrinsic to them, which will stop overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuits. If dealing with a device that has a removable battery, consider the services of a BMS in monitoring the state of health of the battery and preventing hazardous states from happening.
Conclusion
While being a significant change in the use of portable electronics and electric vehicles today due to their high energy density and long-lasting power. These batteries also pose dangers like any other system of storing energy.
Indeed, half the battle in protecting oneself from the occurrence of an accident is knowing how lithium-ion batteries explode due to internal short circuits, overcharge, overheating, or physical damage.
Suppose the proper precautions are taken to have good quality batteries and avoid physical damage, overcharge, or over-discharge of Li-ion batteries. In that case, the possibility of an explosion will be reduced to almost zero, and you can be safe to enjoy all the benefits brought by this powerful technology.
