Self-extinguishing battery: the solution to electric vehicle fires
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A self-extinguishing battery could put an end to fire hazards in electric vehicles. Scientists have developed an innovative electrolyte, based on compounds from commercial fire extinguishers, that allows batteries to extinguish their fires.
Fires from rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles have been a growing concern around the world, with Spain witnessing bans on the use of scooters in public transport and restrictions on ferrying of electric cars on ferries. The lack of means and training of firefighters to deal with these fires has accentuated the risk associated with this new technology.
However, a group of scientists has come up with an innovative solution to this challenge: a battery capable of extinguishing its own fires. Recently published in the journal Nature, the study describes a rechargeable battery design that replaces the highly flammable conventional electrolyte with compounds found in commercial fire extinguishers.
High temperatures and extreme changes inside batteries are significant risk factors for fires. The formulation of flammable organic electrolytes in electric vehicle batteries further aggravates the danger, increasing the risk of thermal runaway. This uncontrollable process can cause an abrupt temperature rise, triggering fires or explosions.
The scientists' innovative approach focuses on the development of a "non-flammable electrolyte". By adapting accessible and affordable commercial refrigerants to function as battery electrolytes, they succeeded in producing a battery capable of extinguishing fire.
The key material used in this innovative design is Novec 7300, a safe and environmentally friendly commercial fluid commonly used in fire extinguishers. Combining this fluid with other chemicals provides durability and creates a functional electrolyte.
Tests, including simulating an internal short circuit by driving a nail through the device, demonstrated the effectiveness of these self-extinguishing batteries. They withstood impact without igniting and maintained their characteristics for a full year of charging and discharging.
Although the initial study focused on potassium-ion batteries, scientists assure that the electrolyte works equally well for lithium-ion batteries and are exploring its applicability to other types of batteries under development, such as sodium-ion, aluminum, or zinc-ion batteries.
If the industry adopts this alternative electrolyte, it will open the door to the manufacture of non-flammable batteries using existing lithium-ion battery facilities. This breakthrough not only improves the safety of electric vehicles but also presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for the energy industry.
References
Self-extinguishing batteries could reduce the risk of deadly and costly battery fires | The Conversation| Retrieved February 06th, 2024 from: https://theconversation.com/self-extinguishing-batteries-could-reduce-the-risk-of-deadly-and-costly-battery-fires-222667
Safe electrolyte for long-cycling alkali-ion batteries | Nature Sustainability| Retrieved February 05th, 2024 from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01275-0
El ingenioso invento que evita que los coches eléctricos se incendien: una revolucionaria batería |Omicrono-El Español| Retrieved February 12th, 2024 from: https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/tecnologia/20240212/ingenioso-invento-evita-coches-electricos-no-incendien-revolucionaria-bateria/830916953_0.html
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