Submerging a lithium battery in water can cause a short circuit, leading to immediate damage, overheating, and potential fire or explosion due to the reaction between water and the battery’s internal components. Are lithium batteries waterproof? Lithium batteries are not inherently waterproof.
In contrast, common battery types such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries use liquid electrolytes to transfer charge, so if these batteries are damaged or aged, they may leak. The electrolyte of lithium batteries is solid, so even if there is a problem with the battery, the electrolyte inside will not flow out.
Lithium batteries are denser than water and typically sink rather than float. However, the buoyancy could depend on factors like battery size, shape, and packaging. Why is water bad for batteries?
However, simply substituting a liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte cannot increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. Metallic lithium and its composite are essential to act as the cell anode to improve the energy density. However, lithium itself is unstable and leads to new possible battery failure modes.
In addition to lithium-induced battery failure, the cycle life is another problem. For instance, the use of lithium as an anode causes dendrite growth and pulverization during cycling, thereby significantly reducing the life of the cell. The large volume change in a cell with a lithium anode is also an unsolved problem.
Dropping, crushing, puncturing or piercing batteries can break seals and protective housings. Avoid storing loose lithium batteries where metal objects may contact or press into the casing. Keys, coins, tools, and other metal items shorting the terminals can spark dangerous failures. Never transport loose batteries in pockets containing metal.