Self-extinguishing batteries could reduce the risk of deadly and costly battery fires
By modifying affordable commercial coolants to function as battery electrolytes, we were able to produce a battery that puts out its own fire.
- By modifying affordable commercial coolants to function as battery electrolytes, we were able to produce a battery that puts out its own fire.
- We subjected these batteries to the nail penetration test, a common method for assessing lithium-ion battery safety.
- Driving a stainless steel nail through a charged battery simulates an internal short circuit; if the battery catches fire, it fails the test.
Why it matters
- High outdoor temperatures or uneven temperatures within a battery pack seriously threaten batteries’ safety and durability.
- Energy-dense batteries, such as the lithium-ion versions that are widely used in electronics and electric vehicles, contain an electrolyte formulation dominated by organic molecules that are highly flammable.
- As scientists studying energy generation, storage and conversion, we have a strong interest in developing energy-dense and safe batteries.
How we did our work
- However, most known nonflammable organic solvents contain fluorine and phosphorus, which are expensive and can have harmful effects on the environment.
- We focused on a mature, safe and affordable commercial fluid called Novec 7300, which has low toxicity, is nonflammable and does not contribute to global warming.
What still isn’t known
- For this reason, our study focused predominantly on self-extinguishing potassium-ion batteries, although it also showed that our electrolyte works well for making self-extinguishing lithium-ion batteries.
- If the industry embraces it, we expect that companies will be able to manufacture nonflammable batteries using their existing lithium-ion battery facilities.
Apparao Rao receives funding from the R. A. Bowen Endowed Professorship funds at Clemson University. Bingan Lu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.