September 02, 2026
Safety Notice for Swollen Lithium‑Polymer Batteries
Ⅰ. Key Conclusion
A swollen lithium‑polymer pouch battery generally will not explode violently in an instant. Nevertheless, swelling is a high‑risk warning sign of gas generation inside and cell damage. If it continues to be used, squeezed, punctured or exposed to high‑temperature environments, it may easily catch fire or deflagrate, and explode in extreme cases.
Unlike steel‑cased lithium‑ion batteries, lithium‑polymer batteries adopt an aluminum‑plastic laminate pouch casing. When abnormalities occur and gas builds up inside, the pouch will swell first to release partial pressure. Hard‑shell batteries trap pressure and are more likely to explode directly. Even so, lithium‑polymer batteries still carry risks of fire and explosion once thermal runaway happens.
Ⅱ. Why a Swollen Battery Is Dangerous
Swelling is essentially caused by electrolyte decomposition, cell aging or internal short‑circuit, which generates large amounts of flammable gas. The cell structure has suffered irreversible damage:
- Continuous charging or discharging will sharply raise internal resistance and temperature, triggering thermal runaway;
- Squeezing, bending or piercing the casing may directly cause an internal short‑circuit between the positive and negative electrodes, leading to sudden fire or even explosion;
- The electrolyte leaking from a swollen battery is flammable and toxic, and will burn fiercely when exposed to open flame or high heat.
Ⅲ. Proper Disposal of Swollen Batteries (Prohibited Operations)
✅ Stop using the battery right away and unplug the charger. Do NOT charge or discharge it any more.
✅ Keep it away from flammables such as beds, sofas and curtains. Place it in a cool, well‑ventilated metal or ceramic container.
✅ Cover the positive and negative terminals with adhesive tape to prevent short‑circuit. Deliver it to a professional battery recycling site as soon as possible. Never throw it into regular household waste bins.
❌ DO NOT puncture to release gas, squeeze and flatten, heat, freeze or disassemble the battery by yourself. These actions will greatly increase the risk of fire and explosion.
