1、Electrolyte Decomposition
Electrolyte decomposition can occur due to overcharging, overheating, or other factors that can cause the electrolyte to break down. When the electrolyte decomposes, gas is generated, which can cause the battery to swell. The decomposition of the electrolyte can also lead to a reduction in battery performance and capacity.
2、Electrode Degradation
The electrodes in polymer lithium batteries can degrade over time due to a variety of factors. For example, repeated charging and discharging can cause the electrodes to break down, leading to gas generation and swelling. Additionally, the electrodes can degrade due to exposure to high temperatures, which can cause the active materials to break down and generate gas.
3、Overcharging
Overcharging can cause the battery to swell and even rupture. Overcharging occurs when the battery is charged beyond its maximum capacity, which causes the electrolyte to break down and gas to be generated. Overcharging can also lead to thermal runaway, which can cause the battery to catch fire or explode.
4、Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects can also lead to polymer lithium battery swelling. For example, if the electrodes are not properly aligned or if the electrolyte is not evenly distributed, the battery can swell. Additionally, if there are impurities in the battery, they can react with the electrolyte and cause gas generation.
5、Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can also cause polymer lithium battery swelling. For example, exposure to high temperatures can cause the battery to swell due to the expansion of the electrolyte. Additionally, exposure to moisture can cause the electrodes to degrade, leading to gas generation and swelling.
In conclusion, there are several causes of polymer lithium battery swelling, including electrolyte decomposition, electrode degradation, overcharging, manufacturing defects, and environmental factors. It is important to properly maintain and operate polymer lithium batteries to minimize the risk of swelling and other safety issues.
How consumers can avoid lithium battery swelling
1、Avoid overcharging
Use the correct charger and follow the instructions for charging, do not exceed the recommended charging time and capacity.
Here are three common scenarios where overcharging of lithium batteries is prone to happen, and it is recommended to avoid or minimize their use:
scenarios1： Using mismatched chargers or charging cables: Using mismatched chargers or charging cables may cause overcharging of the battery, especially with cheap or low-quality charging devices. It is recommended to use original or certified charging devices that are compatible with the device.
scenarios2： Charging for a long time: Charging for a long time is also a scenario that may cause overcharging of the battery. When the battery is fully charged, the charger will continue to provide power, causing overcharging of the battery. It is recommended to unplug the charger promptly when the battery is fully charged.
scenarios3：Charging in high-temperature environments: In high-temperature environments, the chemical reactions inside the battery become more active, which may cause overcharging of the battery. It is recommended to avoid charging in high-temperature environments, such as not exposing the device to sunlight or placing it near a heat source for charging.
2、Avoid high and low temperature environments
Lithium batteries should be stored in a dry, ventilated, and suitable temperature environment. High and low temperatures can affect the performance and lifespan of lithium batteries, especially in high-temperature environments, where the battery's electrolyte may expand.
Here are some common scenarios in daily life where batteries are used in high-temperature environments:
scenarios1：Leaving lithium batteries in a hot car: If you leave a lithium battery in a car on a hot day, the temperature inside the car can quickly exceed the recommended temperature range for the battery, leading to decreased performance and potentially even damaging the battery.
scenarios2:Using lithium batteries in direct sunlight: Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the temperature of a lithium battery to rise quickly, potentially damaging the battery and shortening its lifespan.
scenarios3:Storing lithium batteries in a hot garage or shed: If you store lithium batteries in an area that is not temperature-controlled, such as a garage or shed, they may be exposed to high temperatures that can lead to decreased performance and reduced lifespan.
scenarios4:Using lithium batteries in hot environments for extended periods: If you use lithium batteries in a hot environment for an extended period, such as in a hot warehouse or factory, the battery may not only experience reduced performance but could also become damaged and potentially dangerous.
3、Avoid mechanical damage
Avoid strong impacts or squeezing on lithium batteries.
Polymer lithium batteries are relatively fragile and require careful handling and protection to avoid mechanical damage and safety risks.Here are some ways to avoid mechanical damage
Avoid dropping: Polymer lithium batteries are easily damaged by external impact, so avoid dropping them when carrying and using them.Avoid bending: Polymer lithium batteries are also easily damaged by bending, so avoid applying too much bending or twisting force to the battery.Keep the battery surface smooth: Avoid using blunt or sharp tools that may damage the battery surface to come into contact with the battery.Keep the battery dry: Avoid immersing the battery in water or exposing it to a humid environment to prevent moisture that may cause internal corrosion or circuit short circuit from entering the battery.
4、Avoid long-term disuse
If the lithium battery is not used for a long time, it should be fully charged before storage and stored in a dry, ventilated, and suitable temperature environment.
To avoid long-term disuse of lithium-ion batteries, there are several things that can be done:
a.Store batteries at a cool temperature: Lithium-ion batteries should be stored in a cool and dry place. Heat can accelerate the aging process of the battery, reducing its overall lifespan. Therefore, it is important to avoid storing batteries in direct sunlight or near any heat sources.
b.Maintain a partial charge: It is recommended to store lithium-ion batteries with a partial charge, preferably between 40% and 60%. This helps to maintain the battery's capacity and prevents the battery from becoming completely discharged, which can damage the battery.
c.Charge batteries regularly: If the battery is not going to be used for an extended period of time, it is important to charge the battery regularly to prevent it from becoming fully discharged. Fully discharging a lithium-ion battery can cause irreversible damage to the battery.
d.Keep batteries clean and dry: It is important to keep lithium-ion batteries clean and dry. Any moisture or foreign particles that enter the battery can cause a short circuit, which can damage the battery. Therefore, it is recommended to store batteries in their original packaging or in a protective case to prevent any damage.
5、Do not use damaged batteries
If the lithium battery has obvious damage or deformation on the surface, do not use it, it should be returned to the manufacturer or retailer for processing.
Damaged lithium-ion batteries may include the following types:
1.Slower charging speed: The battery charges noticeably slower, requiring more time to reach a full charge.
2.Decreased energy storage: The battery cannot store the same amount of energy as before, with a shorter lifespan
3.Heating: The battery heats up while charging or in use, and may even become very hot to the touch.
4.Leakage: There are signs of leakage on the battery's packaging, with the battery casing possibly swollen or deformed.
5.Unable to charge: The battery cannot be charged or does not work properly even when plugged in to a charger.
How manufacturers can reduce lithium battery swelling
1、Optimize production processes
In the production process, manufacturers should optimize the process to ensure the uniform distribution of electrodes and electrolytes and avoid production defects.
2、Strict quality control
Manufacturers should strictly control the production process of batteries, from raw material procurement to finished product delivery, to avoid defective products entering the market.
3、Product testing and certification
Manufacturers should test and certify the batteries produced to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, to avoid the appearance of defective products.
4、Track product quality
Manufacturers should establish a product quality tracking system to timely detect and solve quality problems in production and provide after-sales service to customers.
5、Safety education and reminders
Manufacturers should provide consumers with safety education and reminders on using batteries, reminding consumers to use and store batteries correctly. At the same time, manufacturers should also publicly disclose product quality information to enhance consumer trust.
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