Project Annotation
Currently, there is no detailed domestic study addressing the issue of lithium-ion battery fires, the procedures for extinguishing them with regard to the formation of toxic emissions (both gaseous and liquid), or the subsequent treatment of firefighting water containing toxic metals. Available literature only allows for theoretical assumptions about which substances may be present in fire emissions. However, a deeper insight is lacking—particularly in determining the concentrations of toxic substances in smoke during combustion and in firefighting water after extinguishment. This knowledge gap may potentially pose health risks to members of the Czech Integrated Rescue System (IZS) and the surrounding population. For this reason, we consider addressing this issue to be highly relevant and of significant societal importance.
Project Objectives
The main goals of the project are to identify substances in gaseous and liquid emissions and subsequently develop two certified NmetS methodologies usable by emergency response units during lithium-ion battery fires (in contexts such as electromobility, battery take-back facilities, or recycling centers); to find suitable technologies for treating firefighting water; to minimize risks associated with lithium-ion battery recycling (including safe storage and regeneration of wastewater generated during recycling); and to develop a portable, battery-powered personal detector for acidic gases such as HCl and HF for mobile field use.
Project VB02000068 “FiLiB – Protection of the Population and Emergency Response Units of the Czech Integrated Rescue System Against Emissions from Lithium Battery Fires” was established with targeted support from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic under the National Security Research Programme for the Development, Testing, and Evaluation of New Security Technologies (SECTECH).
