Experimental & Theoretical Study on the Solid, Liquid and Gaseous Residues After Fire Extinction of Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract

The electric vehicles are a good option for aiming the Energy transition, in a such important sector such as the mobility. The use of a huge quantity of high energy and high power Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) opens the discussion of many topics such as competitiveness compared to other technologies, recycling of the materials and the safety. This paper shows an experimental study based on fire extinguishing tests on NMC Lithium-Ion pouch cells, each with approximately 100 Wh energy stored. Different extinguishing agents were tested: Foam, Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD). After tests, solid samples were taken from the burnt cell and the residue extinguishing liquid was collected. Gases produced from the combustion of the cell were also sampled during the test and collected in gas bags. Chemical analyses were performed on solid, liquid and gaseous residues in order to evaluate presence of hazardous compounds for health and environment. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and a Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to handle this type of analysis. The aim of this experimental work is to identify the hazardous compounds present in the residue of LIB after the fire is extinguished (i.e. electric vehicles) to evaluate their health and environmental impact and then to propose a methodology for their treatment or disposal. In particular, a comparison between different extinguishing agents is reported.