The Power Behind Our Devices: Exploring Common Uses of Lithium-ion Batteries and Their Potential Dangers.

Published On : 29 May 2024

Lithium-ion batteries have been making headlines recently, and not for the right reasons. With a rise in usage of lithium-powered technology, like e-cigarettes and e-bikes, the frequency of improper use and storage is seemingly being overlooked by consumers, causing an increase in battery-related fires. London Fire Brigade investigators analysed 73 e-bike fires that occurred in the first six months of 2023 and found that at least 77% are believed to have involved the failure of the bike’s battery.

Read on and discover the power behind our devices, explore the common uses of lithium-ion batteries, safety precautions, and proper disposal practices.

What Are Lithium-Ion Batteries?
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in many electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles and energy storage systems. They are known for their high energy density, and long lifespan, and are lightweight compared to other rechargeable devices.

The basic components of a lithium-ion battery include:
 Anode: Made of carbon, the anode is the electrode where lithium ions are stored when the battery is charged.
 Cathode: Made of lithium metal oxide, the cathode is the electrode where lithium ions move during discharge.
 Electrolyte: A liquid or gel substance that allows lithium ions to move between the anode and cathode whilst blocking the flow of electrons, creating an electric current.
 Separator: An absorbent membrane that physically separates the anode and cathode to prevent short circuits while allowing the passage of lithium ions.

During charging, lithium ions are extracted from the cathode and stored in the anode. When the battery is discharging, the process reverses, and lithium ions flow from the anode back to the cathode, generating an electric current that powers the device.

One of the advantages of lithium-ion batteries is their high energy density, which means they can store a considerable amount of energy in a small and lightweight package. This makes them ideal for use in portable electronic devices where space and weight are important considerations.

Common Uses of Lithium-ion Batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that the public uses almost every day.

Consumer electronics: Lithium-ion batteries power a range of consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, portable gaming devices, and e-cigarettes. These batteries provide long-lasting power in compact devices, improving their portability and usability.

Electric vehicles (EVs): Lithium-ion batteries are the primary energy storage solution in electric vehicles, offering drivers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Energy storage systems: Lithium-ion batteries are fundamental components of energy storage systems. These systems store excess energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind power.

Medical devices: Lithium-ion batteries power some medical devices, including portable oxygen concentrators, insulin pumps, and cardiac monitors such as pacemakers.

Power tools: Cordless power tools such as drills, rely on lithium-ion batteries for portable, high-performance operation. These batteries offer the power and runtime needed for demanding construction and DIY projects, allowing users to work efficiently without the constraints of cords or outlets.

Risks Associated With Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries do come with certain risks and challenges, with thermal runaway being the likeliest danger of them all. Thermal runaway is when lithium-ion batteries catch fire or explode due to internal short circuits or overheating.

Remember when Samsung recalled its Galaxy Note 7 in 2016? The company detailed flaws in the battery design and manufacturing which is believed to have caused the crisis. There were reports of exploding phones which led Samsung to their investigations and subsequent recall.

Other lithium-ion battery risks include:

Chemical reactions: The chemical makeup of lithium batteries can lead to extreme reactions if the battery is damaged or broken.

Overcharging: Overcharging can cause lithium-ion batteries to become worn out over time and pose a fire risk.

Physical damage: Dropping or puncturing lithium-ion batteries can lead to internal damage and increase the risk of explosion.

Exposure to extreme temperatures: High temperatures can cause lithium batteries to fail or crash, while low temperatures can lower their performance and lifespan.

Despite these risks, proper handling, storage, and maintenance practices can help ease the potential dangers, making them a widely used power source in modern electronics.

Safety Precautions and Proper Disposal

Using a cheap or incompatible battery/charger is the main cause of lithium-ion battery-related dangers and incidents. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode very quickly with no prior warning signs if they are of poor quality or not cared for correctly. However, some warning signs of a failing battery might include heat, noise, swelling, odour, or smoke. Here are our musts when it comes to lithium-ion safety:

1. Only buy batteries from reputable manufacturers.
2. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions when charging, using, and storing.
3. Never cover charging devices.
4. Do not expose batteries to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or moisture.
5. If possible, remove the battery from the device when not in use.
6. Always charge batteries on a hard, flat surface where heat can escape.
7. Avoid overcharging the battery.
8. Only charge batteries when you are present and can monitor its progress.
9. Use only the charger that came with the device.
10. Regularly inspect charging cables for signs of damage or wear.
11. Never leave items on charge near emergency exits.
12. Never charge non-recharge batteries.

If your device is displaying any warning signs, or something just doesn’t look right you should immediately turn off the device and unplug it from any power source. Carefully move it to a safe area away from people and flammable products. Contact the device manufacturer or retailer for further information and instructions.

Do not dispose of lithium-ion batteries in your general waste. It is paramount that you follow proper disposal procedures to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. Many retailers offer take-back programs for batteries and often supermarkets have battery disposal canisters placed outside their shop or after checkout tills. BatteryBack is a scheme that offers battery collections, and you can view your nearest collection point via their website here: www.batteryback.org. You can also contact your local council for further information on proper disposal procedures in your region.


References:
 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/how-lithium-ion-batteries-work#:~:text=The%20Basics,vice%20versa%20through%20the%20separator.
 https://www.assurityconsulting.co.uk/knowledge/workplace-compliance-news/new-record-high-of-e-bike-and-e-scooter-fires-in london#:~:text=Firefighters%20in%20London%20have%20tackled,capital's%20fastest%2Dgrowing%20fire%20trend.
 https://ecotreelithium.co.uk/news/lithium-batteries-uses-and-applications/
 https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/home/battery-fires#:~:text=The%20dangers,like%20card%2C%20metal%20and%20plastic.
 https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/lithium-ion-batteries
 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7183456567306924032
 https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/2023/august/new-record-high-of-e-bike-and-e-scooter-fires-in-london/
 https://pages.samsung.com/us/note7/recall/index.jsp
 https://www.forbes.com/sites/maribellopez/2017/01/22/samsung-reveals-cause-of-note-7-issue-turns-crisis-into-opportunity/

The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Pen Underwriting Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.