Handling and understanding lithium-ion batteries safely is crucial, as these batteries are commonly used in various devices, including smartphones, laptops, cameras, and electric vehicles.
The IEA reports that lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used grid-scale batteries today, amassing around 28 GigaWatt (2022). It projects their use will only increase with time, evidenced by a marked rise seen in their installation of 75% compared to the previous year. However, CNN has confirmed that as their popularity and use surged, so did the accidents involving them. In fact, no less than 12 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were recorded in the state of Arizona in July 2023 alone.
Therefore, handling lithium-ion batteries with utmost care is imperative to avoid any and all sorts of incidents, including fires, burns, or electrocution. Following standard safety guidelines set by a public health agency like the CDC is imperative. In this guide, we will break down the core principles behind the functionality of lithium-ion batteries, as well as how to safely handle them.
What are Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are a type of grid-scale battery used as a means of energy storage for all types of electrical equipment. These appliances can range from digital cameras and phones to electric and hybrid cars. They’re manufactured using very basic components, which include:
- Anode (positive electrode): Made up of graphite
- Cathode (negative electrode): Made up of lithium
- Electrolyte: A lithium salt dissolved in a solvent
These are the functional parts of a lithium-ion battery; the rest of the elements of this technology provide structural support, reinforcing design and efficiency.
Understanding Lithium-Ion Batteries
The anode (positive plate) and cathode (negative plate, containing lithium metal) are placed on top of each other with the electrolyte between them, sort of like a sandwich. Connecting a wire between the two plates allows an extraordinary thing to happen: the generation of electricity. The difference between the chemical properties of lithium and graphite allows electrons (stuff that generates electricity) to flow through the wire, which, when connected to an electrical appliance, starts to operate. The electrolyte serves as a medium for receiving electrons and sustaining the required reaction.
What are Some Popular Uses of Lithium-Ion Batteries?
You’d be surprised when you find out just how ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries are. Here is a list of common household items that operate using these batteries:
- Smartphones, laptops, tablets, or digital cameras
- Electrical cars (or hybrid cars)
- Most cordless electrical gadgets like wireless headphones
- Power tools
- Medical devices
Features and Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Battery
Many factors contribute to the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries today, so let’s take a closer look at a few of them.
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
|
High Energy Density (200-300 Wh/Kg) |
Store more energy in a compact space, making them practical to insert inside cordless gadgets |
|
Rechargeable |
It can be used over and over again. Some newer, advanced Li-ion batteries can last thousands of rechargings. |
|
Low-self Discharge |
Loses only 1.5%-2.0% / month, so optimal choice for energy storage |
|
Zero Memory Effect |
Can be recharged without significantly affecting overall capacity |
|
Fast Charging |
Charges more swiftly than other types of batteries |
|
High Voltage Output |
Increase application with appliances requiring more power |
What Causes Batteries to Malfunction?
Knowing the root causes for batteries to go rogue is key to understanding how we can prevent them from posing a threat to our lives and property. Here’s how it can happen:
Physical Damage
Dropping, puncturing, or any high-velocity impact can disrupt the structural integrity of a Li-ion battery, causing some undesirable things to happen. Mixing of its internal contents (originally kept apart), especially the organic electrolyte, can cause short circuits and overheating, which can ultimately lead to flares, fires, and even explosions.
High Temperatures
Ever kept your phone on your car’s dashboard under direct sunlight only to find it getting extremely hot? You’re not alone (note that most cellular phones use Li-ion batteries)! High temperatures, around 130°F or 54° centigrade, can cause your battery’s internal part to start acting up.
The reason for this is that Li-ion generates energy with the help of a chemical reaction called “Oxidation and Reduction,” which is accelerated at higher temperatures. This can lead to the uncontrolled release of energy, which, if it reaches a certain point, can undergo a phenomenon called “thermal runaway.”
What essentially happens here is that due to high heat, a vicious cycle unfolds, where the battery starts producing heat, thus, fueling further heat production. This is a dangerous process and is responsible for causing fires and explosions.
Improper Charging Practices
Not all batteries are compatible with ultra-fast charging, and if yours isn’t designed to be charged that way, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Read your battery’s manual, as chargers usually cycle the current alternatively (on and off) to avoid overcharging (which can cause it to heat up). Think of fast chargers as a very efficient pump. However, if your battery isn’t designed to withstand this pump, it can overheat, leading it to malfunction.
Lithium-ion Batteries Hazard and Use Assessment
A Li-ion battery recently exploded in the garage of a man in Phoenix, Arizona. Luckily, his wife and his baby were outside the range of the explosion. Regardless, incidents like these are constantly spurring every now and then, reinforcing the message that people need to be extra careful with these batteries.
The following are some of the most common hazards arising from mishandling of Li-ion batteries. In order of increasing in severity, the following accidents may occur:
- Heat-ups
- Smokes
- Flares
- Fires
- Explosions
Li-ion batteries are highly dense reservoirs of energy storage, so although they’re perfect for on-the-go appliances, it also means there is a high probability of accidents if not used properly, leading to heat building up and causing them to explode. Furthermore, besides overheating and related problems, other hazards associated with Li-ion batteries are:
- Leaks causing burns
- Electrocution
- Gas emission
Prevention and Control: How to Handle Lithium-Ion Batteries
We’ve gathered information from official public health agencies like the CDC, WHO, and NIH to provide you with a quick and easy guide on how to avoid Li-ion catastrophes. Let’s get straight into it!
Store in a dry, cool, and shady place
Storage plays the most significant role in a battery’s health. Storing lithium-ion batteries in a dry place prevents moisture from penetrating or chemically altering the battery’s internal components. Storing lithium-ion batteries in a cool and shady space prevents sunlight or heat from damaging the battery.
Use a designated charger, and remove the charger once it's fully charged
We cannot emphasize enough how significant healthy charging habits are. In Arizona, for instance, at the time of the explosions mentioned above, around 37% of the batteries were plugged in, and this figure is likely higher than reported. To avoid this, you should:
- Use the charger manufactured/recommended by your battery’s distributors.
- Make a habit of unplugging your device after a full charge.
- Avoid frequent deep discharges.
- Use a steady and stable power source.
Inspect batteries for damage (especially after physical impacts)
If you find a liquid dripping from your battery, it’s highly likely its physical integrity has been compromised, which could be either due to a physical impact or overheating. Do not touch any liquid coming out of your battery! This is most likely the electrolyte, which is highly corrosive and can cause burns and irritation on your skin. Some apparent signs of damage are:
- Bulging
- Cracking
- Leaking
- Smoke
Replace damaged/failed/failing batteries; avoid using them
Dispose of unwanted batteries as per your state’s regulations. Toxic substances from the battery can seep into the environment if not discarded properly, posing adverse environmental impacts.
Use Class D fire extinguishers for battery fires
Regular fire extinguishers aren’t cut out to stop fires caused by overheated batteries. If you don’t have the right equipment, get away from the fire, close the door, and call emergency services. (Dial 911). Class D fire extinguishers are recognized around the globe as the optimum choice to put out fires by Li-ion batteries.
Insulate adequately
Maintain your battery’s wires and external parts and avoid direct contact with them. Use gloves with insulated wires and seal any gaps. Taking these precautions can help you avoid burns or electrocution.
Conclusion
In the IEA projects to achieve net zero, governments are likely to invest more in batteries, increasing their capacity to a whopping 978 GW by 2030. This enormous increase in the production and use of these batteries must be accompanied by adequate investment in safety and responsible practices. It is necessary to ensure the safe use of these batteries as their adoption continues to grow.
