Is My Battery Safe After Extended Heat Exposure?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the safety of lithium-ion batteries after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, specifically in a Texas summer. A user reported that their battery expanded and emitted a strange smell after being left in a car. The user concluded that the cathode likely overheated, producing oxygen and triggering a safety feature designed to prevent explosions. This aligns with established safety protocols for lithium-ion batteries, which include mechanisms to manage overheating.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lithium-ion battery chemistry
  • Knowledge of battery safety features and mechanisms
  • Familiarity with thermal effects on electronic components
  • Basic principles of gas expansion under heat
NEXT STEPS
  • Research lithium-ion battery safety mechanisms
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on battery performance
  • Investigate proper storage conditions for batteries
  • Explore the chemical reactions occurring in lithium-ion batteries under stress
USEFUL FOR

Battery engineers, safety compliance professionals, and anyone involved in the design or maintenance of lithium-ion battery systems will benefit from this discussion.

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So a battery to one of my phones got left in the car (just the battery) for an extended period of time during a Texas summer.

The sides of the battery expanded by a couple millimeters. But I can compress the sides with my fingers as if there was a pocket of air in between the outer tape (with markings/info on it) and whatever the next layer under is. I poked a small hole in the side and it sort of "deflated" and a strange smell asserted itself.

My curiosity want's to know what actually expanded under the heat?
 
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