From cell phone rechargeable batteries to electric bicycles to new energy vehicles, safety incidents caused by lithium battery damage and fire are drawing increasing attention from various countries. According to CNN on 22nd, a new technology developed by a research team at Chinese University in Hong Kong, China, that can effectively reduce the risk of lithium battery fire and explosion, may be released into the market within the next 3 to 5 years.
The report said that more and more devices, from smartphones to new energy vehicles, contain lithium batteries. “Although lithium batteries are usually safe, if used improperly, there is a risk of fire, sometimes even causing fatal consequences.” The report explained that lithium batteries contain flammable electrolytes inside, and in certain situations, such as when subjected to physical damage (piercing), overfilling, extreme temperatures, or manufacturing defects, lithium batteries become unstable. Once problems occur, batteries rapidly heat up and catch fire, triggering a dangerous chain reaction known as “heat loss of control.” Related statistics show that in 2024 alone, the global civil aviation industry recorded 89 incidents involving smoke, fire, or high temperature involving batteries. In daily life, it is not uncommon for electric bicycle or scooter batteries to catch fire.
Researchers around the world are working to solve this problem by developing safer lithium batteries, such as replacing liquid electrolytes with more fire-resistant solids or gels. But these solutions require major modifications to existing production lines, hindering their widespread application. Meanwhile, a research team at Hong Kong Chinese University has proposed a new lithium battery design scheme that involves only replacing the chemicals in existing electrolyte fluids.
Researchers explained that lithium battery fires are usually caused by electrolyte solutions breaking down under pressure and releasing heat to trigger a chain reaction. The newly invented electrolyte solution contains two solvents that can effectively prevent this chain reaction. At room temperature, the first solvent can keep the battery‘s chemical structure tight, thereby optimizing performance; but if the battery starts to heat up, the second solvent takes effect, preventing fires by loosening the chemical structure and slowing reactions that could lead to runaway heat.
CNN reported that in laboratory tests, the temperature of batteries using this new design only increased by 3.5 degrees Celsius after being pierced by nails, whereas traditional batteries would soar to 555 degrees Celsius. The researchers said this design would not have a negative impact on the battery‘s performance or durability, and tests showed that it still maintained more than 80% of its capacity after 1,000 charging cycles.
According to the report, since the design simply replaces the electrolyte liquid inside the lithium battery, no battery production lines need to be changed, so it can be easily put into production. It is expected that after scale production, its price will be “very close” to existing batteries. The report said that the technology is pushing toward commercialization. Donald Finnegan, a senior scientist at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, commented, “This invention is an exciting development. It means that future lithium batteries can withstand high temperatures and short circuits without causing fires.” (Wei Yunfeng)