The Lifespan of Rechargeable Batteries — Those 'Degradation Secrets' You’ve Been Ignoring

Rechargeable batteries have brought convenience to our lives, but improper use may cause safety accidents such as fire, explosion and leakage, threatening personal and property safety. Therefore, it is crucial to master the safe use method of rechargeable batteries and avoid using "minefields".

First of all, it is strictly forbidden to use non-original chargers. Different types and models of rechargeable batteries have different requirements for charging voltage and current. The parameters of non-original chargers may not match, which may easily lead to overcharging and overheating of the battery, causing potential safety hazards. For example, charging an electric vehicle battery with a mobile phone charger, or mixing different brands of lithium battery chargers, are very dangerous behaviors.

Secondly, avoid physical damage to the battery. Do not squeeze, pierce, impact the battery, nor put the battery into fire or water. After the battery is physically damaged, the internal separator may be damaged, leading to short circuit of the positive and negative electrodes, generating a lot of heat, and causing combustion and explosion; putting it into fire or water will accelerate the decomposition of the battery and produce toxic and harmful substances.

Thirdly, replace aging and damaged batteries in time. When the battery has problems such as bulging, leakage, abnormal heating and sudden capacity drop, it means that the battery has aged or been damaged. You should stop using it immediately and replace it with a new battery in time. Do not continue to use or try to charge it, otherwise it may cause safety accidents.

Finally, pay attention to the storage and recycling of batteries. When storing batteries, keep them away from high temperature, fire sources and humid environments, avoid contact with metal objects to prevent short circuits; waste rechargeable batteries are hazardous waste, do not discard them at will, put them into special hazardous waste recycling bins, or hand them over to professional recycling institutions for treatment, which not only protects the environment, but also avoids potential safety hazards.