Adding water to lithium-ion batteries could curb the risk of fire in new battery tech – giving manufacturers of devices and electric cars a safer alternative with no downsides.
Scientists and engineers have found a novel approach towards averting the fire hazard in lithium-ion batteries by infusing them with a few tiny portions of water. This will be a new approach yet to be invented so as to contain the flammability of the thousands of batteries found in devices ranging from smartphones to electric cars through minimizing overheating. Battery fires have been common in devices caused by short circuits or overheating and can be described with accidents involving a number of consumer electronics and vehicles, which raise critical issues relating to safety. The researchers believe that through using water as the stabilizing element in the battery, the safety of the battery will be significantly enhanced without compromising performance.
Science Behind Water-Infused Batteries
The new device is a lithium-ion battery with an electrolyte that is a liquid conductor of electricity but flammable. By incorporating trace amounts of water into the electrolyte, this approach creates a safer environment without impacting the battery’s energy storage or lifespan. Scientists found that such a small percentage of water—not enough to react with the lithium but enough to dilute flammable solvents—can act as a buffer, cool the cell down, and prevent probable fire in case of a short circuit.
“Water-in-salt” electrolytes, as they’re known, create a protective layer and dissipate heat much better than traditional solutions. A study from Stanford University has recently shown that water-based batteries were much more efficient and had a higher resistance to combustion when tested in very high-stress conditions.
Applications for Water-Stabilized Battery Technology
This can have a significant impact on the electric vehicle industry and others in which safety issues with batteries are a concern. Electric vehicle batteries, especially because of intensive charging cycles and high energy density, are very prone to overheating. Water addition to the batteries could mitigate this risk and make EVs safer while possibly making them cheaper because the extensive cooling systems would no longer be necessary.
Even for consumer electronics, the addition of a minute amount of water may render phones, laptops, and tablets safer, since compact battery designs have long had overheating problems. The developers believe that water-stabilized batteries may eventually become the industry norm since they are relatively inexpensive and can be easily integrated with present processes.
Environmental and Safety Opportunities
Besides offering enhanced safety, a water-based battery may also offer environmental advantages. Traditionally, the destruction of the batteries results in fires that emit poisonous fumes and require special modes of disposal. The reduction of fire risks lowers the risk of toxic event occurrences through recycling or disposal processes, thus providing better support for a greener cycle of battery life.
Companies specializing in battery technology are moving ahead into partnerships with manufacturers to test water-stabilized batteries at a larger scale. This will have, in due course, a redrawing of the safety standards on lithium-ion batteries, assuring customers an uneventful experience without jeopardizing battery life or capacity.
Going Forward
Water-stabilized batteries are still in development, but this research holds promise for a safe, sustainable step forward in battery technology. Scientists believe that this could become the type of paradigm shift, once perfected, to dramatically change the power needs of both mobile devices and electric cars into safer, more reliable energy storage systems.
