Investigation of fire emissions from Li-ion batteries

This report presents an investigation on gases emitted during Lithium-ion battery fires. Details of the calibration of an FTIR instrument to measure HF, POF3 and PF5 gases are provided as background to the minimum detection limits for each species. The use of FTIR in tests has been verified by repeating experiments reported in the literature. The study reports on gases emitted both after evaporation and after ignition of the electrolyte fumes. Tests were conducted where electrolyte is injected into a propane flame and the influence of the addition of water is studied. Finally three types of battery cells were burnt and emission of fluorine and/or phosphorous containing species quantified