Fire Safety of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Micro-Mobility Devices

The article focuses on, 'Modern society relies on lithium-ion battery (LIB)-powered devices for communication, construction, entertainment, large-scale energy storage systems, and transportation among many other avenues in daily life. Globally, most of the developed world’s populations already have LIB-powered telephones, power tools, toothbrushes, tablets, and laptops — and use them daily. The continued increased energy density of the LIBs has enabled a wide range of battery-powered applications ranging from small earbuds to city buses and fire trucks.

Lithium-ion (li-ion) cells function like other chemistries of rechargeable and non-rechargeable cells (e.g., nickel-cadmium) in that they are composed of a cathode, an anode, a separator, and an electrolyte blend. However, the chemistry of a lithium-ion battery results in a higher energy density at a relatively lower cost. LIB cells can deliver up to 4 volts, which is roughly three times higher than previously popular rechargeable battery chemistries. A drawback is that materials in a LIB’s cathode, separator, and electrolyte are combustible.'