Adding a flame-retardant to select elements of lithium ion batteries many prevent fires, according to researchers at Stanford University.
The researchers figured out how to create a nonwoven electrospun separator out of triphenyl phosphate and coated it with a heat-activated polymer. The separator sits between the anode and cathode within batteries. The thermal-triggered coating would melt in the event a battery overheats, thus releasing the triphenyl phosphate flame retardant into the battery.
The researchers claim this more or less suppresses combustion almost immediately. The researchers’ method doesn’t impact the battery under normal temperatures and can be fine-tuned to handle thermals generated under normal use. Such technology may have prevented the fire-catching Galaxy Note7 problem Samsung dealt with last year.
The researchers note further safety testing is needed before the technology can be used in consumer devices.
