Scientists have created a new sensor that might help prevent fires and explosions caused by lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries are found in many everyday items, from smartphones and laptops to electric cars and even military equipment. They are powerful and long-lasting, but when something goes wrong, the results can be dangerous.
Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode if they overheat or get damaged.
This is especially concerning as electric vehicles become more common. In 2021 alone, over 20 electric vehicle fires or explosions around the world were linked to battery failures.
To address this issue, researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (China) and the University of Liverpool (UK) have developed a new type of gas sensor.
The study was published in the scientific journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
Lead researcher Liangdan Zhao, a Ph.D. student, explains that when a lithium-ion battery is damaged or overheats, it can release harmful gases.
One of these gases, called ethylene carbonate (EC), is a part of the battery’s liquid inside (called the electrolyte). If this gas leaks out, it could be an early sign that the battery is about to fail.
The new sensor is designed to detect very small amounts of EC gas before a battery becomes dangerous. It uses a special material called a covalent organic framework (COF), which has tiny holes that can be designed to trap and identify specific gases.
Using computer simulations, the team tested hundreds of COF materials and found the best one for spotting EC gas—called COF-QA-4.
This sensor is very sensitive and can detect EC gas at levels as low as 1.15 parts per million (ppm). It also ignores other gases, which makes it more reliable. And it’s low-cost, energy-efficient, and easy to add to existing battery systems.
The researchers believe this sensor could be used not only in electric vehicles but also in other devices and systems that rely on lithium-ion batteries—like smart home gadgets or industrial equipment. It could give early warnings when something’s going wrong, helping prevent fires or explosions.
“This technology could save lives and prevent damage to property,” Zhao says. “It allows us to catch battery problems early, before they become serious.”
