Japan develops 'portable fire extinguisher' for lithium batteries

Japanese researchers have introduced a box-shaped device containing ammonium phosphate for the safe storage, collection, transportation and disposal of lithium batteries, which can isolate and extinguish fires when batteries catch fire.

A power bank caught fire in an experiment recreating a lithium battery accident - (Source: Kyodo)

A research team at Nagoya University in Japan has developed a portable device for safely storing, collecting, transporting and disposing of lithium batteries, amid an increase in fires and explosions involving these batteries.

The research team, led by Norikazu Ishigaki, an assistant professor at Nagoya University, is working with related companies to commercialize the box-shaped device, described as a "mobile fire extinguisher", by April 2026.

The device contains ammonium phosphate, a chemical widely used in conventional fire extinguishers. If a lithium battery catches fire inside the device, the fire is contained within the box, preventing heat from escaping and spreading.

The technology was developed amid a sharp increase in power bank explosions in public places in recent years, raising safety concerns and calls for preventive measures.

Lithium batteries, commonly used in power banks and portable power stations, can catch fire if they overheat due to impact, direct exposure to sunlight or heat generated during charging.

Although these batteries must be collected according to local government regulations, many products are still disposed of improperly, leading to a series of fires and explosions recorded on garbage collection trucks or at disposal sites in Japan.

The research team has verified the effectiveness of the device through testing with firefighters, local authorities and transport companies, in preparation for the product's commercialization on the market.

“It is important to establish safe methods for storing and disposing of lithium batteries,” said Mr. Ishigaki, who specializes in materials design, noting that not all consumers dispose of them properly.

VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhat-ban-phat-trien-binh-chua-chay-di-dong-cho-pin-lithium-20251206112711116.htm