Lithium-ion battery fires will not be all that widespread, however they’re a priority — simply ask electrical automobile makers and Samsung. Thankfully, research at Stanford would possibly cut back the possibilities of these units lighting up. Scientists have developed an electrolyte (the substance that carries lithium ions between electrodes) that will not catch fireplace even at temperatures of 140F or extra. The trick, it seems, was further lithium salt.
The staff added as a lot of a specific lithium salt (LiFSI) as doable to a polymer-based electrolyte, bumping the combo from lower than half of the electrolyte’s weight to 63 p.c. The LiFSI served as an “anchor” for flammable solvent molecules, stopping them from catching fireplace. The mixture lets a lithium-ion battery proceed performing at temperatures as excessive as 212F.
Unlike different makes an attempt at non-flammable electrolytes, the polymer-based design is gooey and might match into current lithium-ion battery parts. That lowers the prices and lets corporations use their present manufacturing processes. You might see the know-how attain real-world merchandise faster than rivals that will require customized (and probably costly) manufacturing strategies.
There’s no point out of near-term makes an attempt to commercialize the brand new battery tech, which was funded by the Energy Department. However, the researchers already see a number of advantages for electrical vehicles. The design couldn’t solely decrease the danger of EVs catching fireplace, however improve their vary. Automakers continuously must area lithium-ion battery cells to forestall them from heating one another. This development would let corporations safely pack extra batteries right into a given space, permitting both increased capacities or extra spacious interiors.
This might additionally show helpful for telephones, laptops and different cellular units the place area and security are priorities. You would possibly eke out extra runtime on a cost, or fear much less a couple of fireplace in your pocket. This discovery would not forestall fires ensuing from harm, but it surely might show reassuring in on a regular basis use.
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