Patent-based technological developments and surfactants application of lithium-ion batteries fire-extinguishing agent

Abstract

While newer, more efficient Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and extinguishing agents have been developed to reduce the occurrence of thermal runaway accidents, there is still a scarcity of research focused on the application of surfactants in different LIBs extinguishing agents, particularly in terms of patented technologies. The aim of this review paper is to provide an overview of the technological progress of LIBs and LIBs extinguishing agents in terms of patents in Korea, Japan, Europe, the United States, China, etc. The initial part of this review paper is sort out LIBs technology development in different regions. In addition, to compare LIBs extinguishing agent progress and challenges of liquid, solid, combination of multiple, and microencapsulated. The subsequent section of this review focuses on an in-depth analysis dedicated to the efficiency and challenges faced by the surfactants corresponding design principles of LIBs extinguishing agents, such as nonionic and anionic surfactants. A total of 451,760 LIBs-related patent and 20 LIBs-fire-extinguishing agent-related patent were included in the analyses. The extinguishing effect, cooling performance, and anti-recombustion on different agents have been highlighted. After a comprehensive comparison of these agents, this review suggests that temperature-sensitive hydrogel extinguishing agent is ideal for the effective control of LIBs fire. The progress and challenges of surfactants have been extensively examined, focusing on key factors such as surface activity, thermal stability, foaming properties, environmental friendliness, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, it is crucial to emphasize that the selection of a suitable surfactant must align with the extinguishing strategy of the extinguishing agent for optimal firefighting effectiveness.