Form Factor and Chemistry Agnostic Battery Deactivation Using Electrically Conductive Gel for Safe Transportation
Removing residual energy from end-of-life batteries prior to transportation requires some method of deactivation. While many methods have been proposed, very few have been implemented due to limitations of cost, safety, and efficacy. In this work, multiple cell and battery types (e.g., lithium-polym...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Batteries |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-0105/11/5/201 |
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| Summary: | Removing residual energy from end-of-life batteries prior to transportation requires some method of deactivation. While many methods have been proposed, very few have been implemented due to limitations of cost, safety, and efficacy. In this work, multiple cell and battery types (e.g., lithium-polymer pouch cells, 18650 lithium-ion cell, alkaline batteries, and lithium-ion power-tool batteries) were deactivated using a low-cost and easily applied gel consisting of borax cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol and carbon. The PVA–carbon composite creates an external short-circuit pathway of moderate resistance that enables the complete discharge of batteries. Abusive testing conducted after deactivation demonstrates that hazards are largely eliminated, including a complete avoidance of thermal runaway from lithium-ion cells and a reduction in flammable and toxic gases by several orders of magnitude. |
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| ISSN: | 2313-0105 |