Researchers' new lithium battery extinguishes fires

Scientists have developed a design to make a new lithium battery, which is a kind of self-extinguishing battery. This battery can automatically shut off when it catches fire.

According to Tekna Technology News Service, scientists used a self-extinguishing design to make a new rechargeable battery, which will prevent fire and explosion due to overheating. In this design, an electrolyte mixed with the materials found in fire extinguishers was used instead of combustible electrolyte.

Normally, lithium salt and excellent solvent are used in the electrolyte, which is highly flammable and prone to thermal runaway. This material can produce heat as a result of a chain reaction and lead to fire or explosion through chemical decomposition.

The researchers now used low-cost commercial coolants to suppress the flames in the battery. New compounds can be used as battery electrolytes. The new electrolyte material is non-flammable and resistant to heat and can be compatible with any type of battery chemistry.

The researchers tested their new material in the laboratory under different conditions and found that the new electrolyte can perform well at temperatures between minus 75 and plus 80 degrees Celsius. Also, batteries made with this electrolyte can transfer heat from the battery and can prevent internal fires.

Also, a common nail penetration test was used to evaluate the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Penetration of a stainless steel nail inside the battery will cause an internal short circuit, which will result in a fire or explosion. But in this test, it was observed that after driving a nail into these new batteries, in addition to impact resistance, no fire will occur.