Why smartphone batteries explode and how to avoid it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The problem of exploding smartphone batteries is far from new, and not only owners of Samsung devices can face it. In this article, we will discuss the causes of this phenomenon and give tips on how to avoid it.

Batteries are one of the main components of modern electronic gadgets. In recent years, engineers have achieved significant increases in capacity while keeping the same size or even smaller. This has been achieved through the use of sophisticated technologies that provide the highest battery charge density. However, now it seems that manufacturers have run into a barrier, which can be dangerous to cross.

What is your battery made of

Nowadays, most electronic gadgets use lithium ion batteries. They consist of electrodes housed in a sealed case with current collector terminals. The charge carrier here is the positively charged lithium ion, which is reflected in the name of the battery.

The characteristics and performance of lithium ion batteries are highly dependent on the chemical composition of the materials used. Initially, metal lithium was used as negative plates, then coal coke was used. Nowadays, graphite is most often used.

In addition to the purely "chemical" filling, the battery also contains electronic components. A charge controller is built into its case, which protects the battery from overvoltage during charging. The same component is able to monitor the temperature of the battery to turn it off when it overheats.

Why do batteries explode?

The most dangerous element in battery design is electrolyte, which is extremely reactive. If there are errors in the design of the battery or a technological defect, then the battery case may not withstand. Then the hot electrolyte will get out, which, in turn, will lead to the ignition of the gadget. Let's take a look at the main reasons why this can happen.

Overheating and overcharging

More recently, this has been one of the most common causes of battery failure. Due to the breakdown of the controller, the current continues to flow even when the battery is already charged. The battery heats up and then ignites.

It should be noted that overheating and ignition of the battery as a result of "thermal breakdown" can occur very quickly, in just a few minutes. Fortunately, battery monitoring systems are becoming more sophisticated. If you avoid frankly cheap products, then this type of damage practically does not threaten you.

Mechanical damage

Modern gadgets are becoming thinner and lighter, so some batteries use special lightweight designs, which, unfortunately, cannot always provide sufficient strength. If the partition between the electrodes is damaged in the battery, a short circuit will occur, which will lead to instant heating and ignition of the battery.

The thin outer shell of a battery can be a nuisance too. The fact is that when the battery is charged, a rather large pressure can arise in it. If the manufacturer, in pursuit of weight reduction, neglected the safety rules, then such a battery can also explode sooner or later.

How to avoid battery problems

No one, of course, can give a hundred percent guarantee that you will not come across a defective or poorly designed battery. However, following the guidelines below can greatly reduce the risk of fire or explosion of the battery in your smartphone.

• Try to avoid overtly budget models and unknown manufacturers. In an effort to win the price race, they try to save on literally everything, including the battery. The discrepancy between the actual and declared capacity is far from the worst thing. It is much worse when there is no thermal sensor in the battery or a charge controller from the last century is used.
• Use only the supplied charger. If it is lost or damaged, do not buy cheap Chinese chargers, but prefer a product from a trusted manufacturer. Pay attention to the recommended charge current for your gadget.
• If you need to replace it, look for the original battery. Yes, compatible batteries can cost several times less, but these savings could literally burn your smartphone as a result.
• When charging your smartphone, be careful not to overheat. Release it from the cover, remove it from under the pillow and do not cover it with a blanket. This is especially true for new smartphones with fast charging function.
• Try to protect the battery from mechanical damage. It is clear that you will not play football with it, but even a banal fall to the floor can be fatal for the battery. If you find signs of deformation (swelling, distortion), replace the battery with a new one.