In modern electronic devices, polymer lithium-ion batteries are widely used in scenarios such as mobile phones, laptops, drones and wearable devices due to their high energy density, thin and flexible structure and stable discharge performance. However, such batteries are prone to capacity decay, aging and even leakage under improper storage conditions, which will affect the service life of the equipment and even cause safety hazards. Therefore, scientific and reasonable storage of polymer lithium-ion batteries has become an important topic of common concern for users and enterprises.
First, controlling the storage temperature is the key to preventing polymer lithium batteries from aging. It is generally recommended that the storage environment temperature be kept between 15℃ and 25℃, and avoid exposure to high temperature (such as over 45℃) or low temperature (below -10℃). High temperature will accelerate the decomposition reaction of the electrolyte inside the battery, resulting in bulging and rapid decrease in capacity; while low temperature will cause the internal chemical reaction to slow down or even stop, resulting in abnormal voltage and increased self-discharge rate. Long-term temperature abnormality may also damage the internal structure of the battery, causing leakage or electrolyte crystallization.
Secondly, maintaining an appropriate state of charge is another important factor in delaying the aging of polymer lithium-ion batteries. When polymer lithium batteries are stored for a long time, they should not be in a fully charged (100%) or fully discharged (0%) state. The optimal storage capacity is 40% to 60% of the battery capacity. At this time, the battery is in a relatively stable voltage platform, which can minimize the side reactions between the electrolyte and the electrode and prevent the capacity from decaying too quickly. In addition, it is recommended to check the capacity and replenish the battery appropriately every 3 months to avoid excessive self-discharge of the battery leading to the "over-discharge protection" state.
Third, it is also very important to avoid an environment with excessive humidity. Storage spaces with humidity exceeding 60% may increase the risk of oxidation of metal parts, and it is also easy to cause the polymer packaging film to become damp, thereby reducing the insulation performance and possibly causing leakage. The ideal storage humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%. If conditions permit, using a drying box or moisture-proof cabinet is a safer way. In home use, it can also be simply packaged with a sealed bag and a desiccant to prevent the intrusion of water vapor in the air.
Fourth, preventing physical extrusion and impact cannot be ignored. Polymer lithium batteries usually adopt a soft pack structure. Although they are light, they are prone to internal short circuits or even ruptures when impacted or squeezed by external forces. When storing, avoid stacking heavy objects on the battery, and do not place it in a place where it is easy to fall. It is recommended to place it in an anti-static foam box or original packaging, and keep it away from metal conductors to prevent accidental short circuits.
Fifth, keeping away from flammable and explosive items and electromagnetic interference sources is an important measure for safety considerations. Although polymer lithium batteries themselves have a certain stability, there is still a possibility of thermal runaway under certain conditions. Therefore, batteries should not be stored together with dangerous goods such as gasoline, alcohol, lighters, and sprays. At the same time, avoid placing it near strong magnetic fields or high-frequency electronic devices to prevent interference with the internal protection circuit, thereby affecting safety performance.
Sixth, choosing appropriate storage containers and environmental labels is more secure for long-term storage of batteries. It is recommended to use special fireproof storage boxes, stainless steel boxes or polypropylene material containers, and affix battery labels, storage dates, status instructions and other information on the outside of the box to facilitate unified management in the future. For users who store in bulk (such as factories or warehouses), a regular inspection system should be implemented to periodically record temperature and humidity, battery appearance, and capacity status.
Finally, regular activation and testing of battery performance will help maintain its activity. Even if the battery is stored well under ideal conditions, it is still recommended to perform a complete charge and discharge cycle every 6 months or so to activate the battery material and keep the battery in a "usable state". During the inspection process, you can use tools such as multimeters and battery capacity testers to observe key parameters such as voltage, internal resistance, and whether it is bulging, and promptly remove batteries with potential faults to avoid affecting overall storage safety.
The storage of polymer lithium-ion batteries requires careful management from multiple dimensions, including temperature, power, humidity, pressure protection, and anti-static. Only by taking a scientific and systematic approach can we effectively prevent battery aging and leakage problems, extend service life, and ensure safe use. For individual users, it is critical to develop good storage habits; and for enterprises or storage units, a standardized storage and inspection mechanism should be established to truly achieve safe and controllable management of batteries.
