After numerous, catching-fire incidents with Galaxy Note 7, most manufacturers started thinking about making their devices safer to avoid similar situations. We know that any smartphone battery can suddenly explode but there’s no need to panic. Plus, scientists from Stanford University have found the solution of this problem. They suggested fitting every lithium-ion battery with a special system that could instantly extinguish fire and prevent explosions.
Scientists have tried a lot different experiments to make this idea work. They came across one issue – any fire extinguishing substance would harm the electrochemical cells in the battery. Therefore, it was decided that the substances must be isolated from the cells. For that, molecules of these “fire extinguishers” were put in polymer capsules. Their membranes react to high temperature and break releasing the fire-stopping substances.
As laboratory tests showed, these microscopic extinguishers are activated in 0.5 seconds after the fire breaks out. There was no observed damage to battery productivity or functionality. During experiments, scientists used triphenyl phosphate, wrapped in capsules from PVDF-HFP polymer. Obviously, the project still has to be improved (polymer membranes wear out after a while) but the idea is very promising. Scientists believe that it could be used not only in smartphones or tablets but also on electro-cars or airplanes.
