The batteries, which are found in billions of consumer devices like smartphones and tablets, were found to leak more than 100 toxic gases including carbon monoxide.
The gases, which are potentially fatal, can cause strong irritation to the skin, eyes and nasal passages, and harm the wider environment.
The researchers behind the study say many people may be unaware of the dangers of overheating, damaging or using a disreputable charger for their rechargeable devices.
"Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries are being actively promoted by many governments all over the world as a viable energy solution to power everything from electric vehicles to mobile devices. The lithium-ion battery is used by millions of families, so it is imperative that the general public understand the risks behind this energy source," explained Dr Jie Sun, lead author on the study.
The dangers of exploding batteries have led manufacturers to recall millions of devices such as Dell which recalled four million laptops in 2006 and Samsung which has recalled its Galaxy Note 7 devices over problems with battery fires.
But the threats posed by toxic gas emissions and the source of these emissions are not well understood.
Sun and her colleagues identified several factors that can cause an increase in the concentration of the toxic gases emitted.
A fully charged battery will release more toxic gases than a battery with 50 per cent charge, for example. The chemicals contained in the batteries and their capacity to release charge also affected the concentrations and types of toxic gases released.
Identifying the gases produced and the reasons for their emission gives manufacturers a better understanding of how to reduce toxic emissions and protect the wider public, as lithium-ion batteries are used in a wide range of environments.
"Such dangerous substances, in particular carbon monoxide, have the potential to cause serious harm within a short period of time if they leak inside a small, sealed environment, such as the interior of a car or an airplane compartment," Sun said.
Almost 20,000 lithium-ion batteries were heated to the point of combustion in the study, causing most devices to explode and all to emit a range of toxic gases. Batteries can be exposed to such temperature extremes in the real world, for example, if the battery overheats or is damaged in some way.
The researchers now plan to develop this detection technique to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries so they can be used to power the electric vehicles of the future safely.
As an expert in the field of energy storage and battery technology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concerns raised in the provided article. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of lithium-ion batteries, I can provide valuable insights into the risks associated with their usage and the measures needed to mitigate potential dangers.
The study mentioned in the article highlights a critical issue regarding lithium-ion batteries, which are ubiquitous in consumer electronics and are increasingly being employed in larger-scale applications such as electric vehicles. The evidence presented in the research indicates that these batteries, commonly found in smartphones and tablets, have the potential to leak more than 100 toxic gases, including the highly dangerous carbon monoxide.
The identified risks stem from various factors, and the research conducted by Dr. Jie Sun and her colleagues delves into the complexities of these issues. One key finding is that fully charged batteries release more toxic gases than those at 50 percent charge. Additionally, the chemicals within the batteries and their capacity to release charge play a significant role in determining the concentrations and types of toxic gases emitted.
The article emphasizes the importance of public awareness regarding the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries. Given that these batteries are promoted as a viable energy solution for a wide range of applications, from smartphones to electric vehicles, it becomes imperative for users to understand the risks involved in their usage. Dr. Jie Sun underscores the urgency of this matter, especially considering the widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries in millions of households.
The dangers of exploding batteries, as evidenced by past recalls of devices like Dell laptops and Samsung Galaxy Note 7, have been a known issue. However, the study by Sun and her team sheds light on the less understood threat of toxic gas emissions. These emissions can pose serious health risks, particularly in enclosed spaces such as the interior of a car or an airplane compartment.
The research involved subjecting almost 20,000 lithium-ion batteries to extreme conditions, causing explosions and the release of toxic gases. This simulation mirrors real-world scenarios where batteries may experience overheating or damage. The findings aim to provide manufacturers with valuable information to better understand and subsequently reduce toxic emissions, contributing to enhanced safety measures for the general public.
In conclusion, the article highlights the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. As an expert in the field, I emphasize the importance of ongoing research and development to improve battery safety, especially with the growing use of these energy sources in diverse environments. The detection technique developed by the researchers offers a promising avenue to enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries, making them a more secure power source for future applications, including electric vehicles.
