Do Lithium Batteries Leak?

Lithium batteries are known as primary batteries that come with metallic lithium as an anode. That’s why these batteries are also famous as lithium-metal batteries. They are quite different from other types of batteries in terms of their durability (high charge density). Surprisingly, lithium cells can generate or produce voltages between 1.5 and 3.7 V.

Now, the main concern is do lithium batteries leak? Well, the simple answer to the question is that even though battery technology has progressed to a great extent, battery leak is still a major problem at present. Quality lithium batteries are pretty safe if you use it as intended. Also, under normal or standard conditions, lithium can’t leak out of its lithium-ion batteries. But, there are contain conditions when you may face lithium battery leak problem.

Sadly, the lithium-ion battery has been making news for many years – they have caused fires in laptops, hoverboards, and in other smartphones too. Considering all these things, you might be probably curious to know what makes batteries to leak. If so, then you’re on the right page. Here, you’ll get to learn everything about battery leak problem.

Why Do Batteries Leak?

Have you ever seen the White Fluff of batteries corrosion that has moved into the battery terminals making a great mess or also ruining your device all-together? Well, what is the white fluff corrosion? It is potassium carbonate that develops at the battery ends (generally the negative end) and it indicates that batter leakage problem.

With the passage of time, all batteries self-discharge gradually. It will happen whether they are installed in a particular device, sitting on the ledge, and surprisingly, dead batteries will leak too. High temperature can cause batteries to leak and rupture. The battery “alkaline” is potassium hydroxide. It is the alkali equivalent of hydrochloric acid and it will eventually leak out. As a result, it will form white fluff of potassium carbonate.

The chemistry changes and a little bit of hydrogen gas are generated as the batteries discharge. In other words, when the batteries are deeply discharged, the water in the electrolyte reacts to form a gas called hydrogen instead of completing the common half-reaction. This out-gassing procedure boosts pressure in the battery. As a result, the excess pressure ruptures or breaks the insulating seals at outer metal canister or the battery end or both.

Besides excess pressure, incorrect uses of batteries, such as elevated heat, charging them below freezing point, excessive vibration also causes leakage problem.

How to Prevent Battery Leakage?

You now know what cause batteries to leak. Thankfully, there are some effective ways you can follow to prevent battery leakage problem.

· Remove the battery if you won’t be using your device

If you’re sure that you won’t have to use your device or appliance for a particular period of time, then it is better to remove your battery. Particularly in toys and its similar appliances, many of us let battery in a battery holder for a long duration even when you’re not using. The main point is here that the longer the battery remains in the appliance when it’s not used, the more it quickly discharges.

· Avoid using mixed batteries

It is recommended that you should avoid using new batteries with old ones. If you combine full power batteries with partially discharged ones, the former could discharge the latter and ultimately, you could face leakage problem.

· Switch off your appliance after use

Many of us generally forget to switch off the device even when we are not using it. Thus, the device will keep working until the battery is fully empty. Eventually, this could lead to a problem called battery leak and that’s why it is better to turn off your appliances or devices after use.

· Read the guidelines and instructions of your device

Keep in mind that you can’t utilize any battery in any device. Thus, make sure to read the guideline manual of your appliance or device and afterward, purchase the right one.

· Insert battery correctly

Sometimes, incorrect battery insertion can cause a battery leak. Make sure that you put the minus and plus terminals correctly.

· Keep the battery in a safe place

If the battery comes into contact with other batteries or metal objects, then it could lead to short-circuit. As a result, strong discharge and leakage will occur.

lithium-ion battery Leak Hazard

Lithium-ion battery leak hazard usually includes a high energy density. In addition to it, many studies have proven that physical damage such as overheating, exposure to high elevated temperature, short-circuits, etc. could cause a thermal runaway. Eventually, this known as a rapid self-heating that begins an exothermic chemical reaction, resulting in a chain reaction which could explore the battery anytime. However, the problem can also at the end of Manufacturers such as imperfections in the batteries. In such a case, the chemical reaction vaporizes the electrolyte that leads to cell casing and enhanced pressure. Ultimately, toxic gases and the flammable electrolyte in the battery are released out in the air and these toxic gases in the air can put humans at the health risk.

How to Dispose Of Leaking Batteries?

Batteries can leak for a number of reasons. Now, the main concern is what to do if the battery leaks. Well, you need to dispose of leaking batteries and here is a simple guide on how you can do that.

1. Use protective latex gloves to cover your hands and afterward, remove the leaking battery from your device. While doing this, be careful and make sure that your body or face don’t contact with the leaked battery chemicals.

2. Next, you need to scrub away white fluffy buildup using a toothbrush or cotton swab.

3. Now, use a towel having a little drop of lemon juice or vinegar to clean the region for removing the left-over corrosion.

4. Clean the terminals again and wipe off remaining particles and flakes and let the device or appliance to dry fully before you insert a new battery.

5. Finally, you can dispose of the leaked battery in the trash.

That’s how you can get rid of leaking batteries. But, the best thing you can do to avoid battery leakage problem is to use it as intended.