Electric vehicle batteries are getting a built-in fire extinguisher

NEWS CENTER

Created: July 17, 2025 10:16

To mitigate this risk, engineers are constantly improving battery casings and designs. However, molecular chemist Ying Zhang of the Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and his team believe a more effective solution could be integrated into batteries themselves. According to the study, published July 14 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a special flame-retardant polymer system incorporated into batteries can stop fires before they even start.

"SMART POLYMERS" THAT SUPPRESS FLAMES

According to PopSci, Zhang and his team developed a prototype battery incorporating flame-retardant polymers into nickel-based cathodes. This battery was then tested alongside a traditional lithium-ion battery. Both batteries began to overheat when they reached 100°C. At this point, however, the polymers in the prototype battery kicked in, releasing free radicals that prevent combustion.

The result was quite striking: The standard battery exploded within 13 minutes after exceeding 120°C, with flames reaching over 1000°C. The prototype battery reached 220°C but never caught fire. The researchers say this system improves both thermal safety and the battery's chemical stability.

STOP THE FIRE WITHOUT PRODUCING TOXIC GAS

While some manufacturers already add fire-retardant materials to the exterior of batteries, this method is often insufficient. Furthermore, these materials can release more toxic gases when heated. The new prototype's unique feature is its "smart gas management" approach, which prevents the accumulation of flammable gases, preventing fires from occurring in the first place and preventing the production of harmful gases.

The research team emphasizes that if this system can be produced on a large scale, it could prevent battery-related fires in many areas, from electric vehicles to home energy systems.