Why do lithium-ion batteries explode?
2 Answers
Reasons for lithium-ion battery explosions: 1. Thermal runaway: If a lithium battery overheats, it can catch fire and explode; 2. Separator damage: Lithium batteries have internal separators. If the separator is damaged, the positive and negative electrodes will come into direct contact, causing a short circuit, which can lead to an instant battery explosion. Precautions for using lithium-ion batteries: 1. Do not bend the battery or puncture it; 2. When charging, avoid overcharging, and ensure the voltage and current do not exceed specified values; 3. Use the original charger when charging. Types of car batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, and lead-acid batteries.
I've done quite a bit of research on lithium-ion battery explosions, which are primarily caused by thermal runaway. Simply put, when the battery overheats internally, the chemical reactions become uncontrollable, generating a large amount of heat and gas that ruptures the casing. Common causes include overcharging, such as when the charger malfunctions or the voltage is too high, or over-discharging, which destabilizes the battery. Physical damage is also a major issue, like punctures or compression causing internal short circuits. Manufacturing defects, such as impurities or poorly sealed separators, can also trigger explosions. I once watched an experiment video where a battery instantly caught fire after being punctured by a hard object. So, to avoid these problems, use good charging equipment and avoid storing batteries in high-temperature environments.
