Phone explosion: self-extinguishing lithium-ion battery stops phone from catching fire
- 7 years ago
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA — Stanford University researchers have invented a new type of lithium-ion battery that addresses increasing concerns over battery safety.
Lithium-ion batteries contain lithium ions that move from the anode to cathode when the battery is discharging, and back while the battery is charging. Highly flammable electrolyte helps conduct the current, while a separator between the two electrodes prevents them from contacting. If the separator malfunctions while the battery is overheating, a thermal runaway may occur and lead to a fire.
The researchers designed a new separator made of a flame retardant called Triphenyl Phosphate, or known as TPP, contained inside a protective polymer shell. When the battery overheats, the polymer shell melts and releases TPP into the electrolyte, which can stop the fire in 0.4 seconds.
The study was published in the journal Science Advances.
Lithium-ion batteries contain lithium ions that move from the anode to cathode when the battery is discharging, and back while the battery is charging. Highly flammable electrolyte helps conduct the current, while a separator between the two electrodes prevents them from contacting. If the separator malfunctions while the battery is overheating, a thermal runaway may occur and lead to a fire.
The researchers designed a new separator made of a flame retardant called Triphenyl Phosphate, or known as TPP, contained inside a protective polymer shell. When the battery overheats, the polymer shell melts and releases TPP into the electrolyte, which can stop the fire in 0.4 seconds.
The study was published in the journal Science Advances.