why do lithium batteries explode? - 3.7 volt lithium ion battery
Samsung's decision to stop selling the new Galaxy Note 7, due to reports of a battery explosion, is an extraordinary step for tech giants.
The company said it had found a battery problem but did not elaborate.
But if it's lithium
The ion battery charges too fast, or a tiny manufacturing error slides through the network, which can cause a short circuit
It will lead to fire.
One expert urged the industry to find safer lithium alternatives.
Professor Claire Gray, an energy storage expert at the University of Cambridge, said: "I think people should focus on and drive safer battery technology . ".
"This should be an important focus of research and industry development.
"While most manufacturing defects will be found in the initial test, this is not an absolutely correct process.
However, Professor Gray also said people should not panic.
"I'm standing at the airport-
"If we take their batteries away, everyone has to stop what they're doing," she said . ".
We all take risks in our lives.
We drive cars on flammable organic liquids.
Other safer technologies follow.
"There are only 35 cases of Galaxy Note 7 fire reported globally, second only to 2.
Samsung said sales were 5 million.
Lithium-ion batteries used by Samsung are common throughout the technology industry --
So what makes them dangerous?
It is important to know how they work.
In short, they contain a cathode, an anode, and lithium.
The cathode and anode are separated from the organic liquid called electrolyte and the porous material called separator.
Lithium passes through the separator in the liquid, between the two.
If the battery is charged too fast and generates heat, the lithium battery is formed around the anode, resulting in a short circuit.
"Normally you will have a battery management system to control the speed at which you charge," Professor Gray said . ".
"The battery is optimized and won't charge too fast --
If you do this, you will put the lithium plate in.
She added: "That's why battery charging is a frustrating slow experience.
Other faults that may lead to short circuit include contamination of tiny pieces of metal during production or micro-small holes in the seal, as the material expands and shrinks until the battery is charged several times, this may become obvious.
"Manufacturing is more standardized than it was 10 to 15 years ago," Professor Gray said . ".
However, the battery pack-
Combine the battery pack to generate more power
This may be a problem and is becoming more and more common.
For example, a laptop can easily get a battery containing 12 batteries.
"The more you assemble, the more likely some people are to fail," she added . ".
"Although there are still defects, the situation is improving.
This is a challenge.
With so much production, all you need is a mistake.
The Geek Squad, the support and repair provider, said: "There may be symptoms that indicate that the battery is about to expire.
"Sometimes, the battery starts to expand and expand before it completely fails because the internal battery breaks and breaks," the company said on its website . ".
"But the rise does not always happen.
If not, you may notice that your device is a little warmer than usual
But to be honest, in any case, our phones will get quite warm during standard use.
"The company recommends dealing with any batteries that show these signs.