TOKYO, December 7, 2025: A research team at Japan’s Nagoya University has developed a portable containment device designed to prevent fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, as incidents involving overheating and combustion of such batteries continue to increase nationwide. The group, led by Assistant Professor Norikazu Ishigaki, created a compact, box-shaped unit capable of safely storing, transporting, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries. The device functions as a portable fire suppression chamber that activates automatically if a battery ignites, containing the flames and preventing the spread of heat to surrounding areas.
The university team plans to introduce the product to the market in partnership with related companies by April 2026. The new system uses ammonium phosphate, a fire-retardant compound widely used in conventional extinguishers. When a lithium-ion battery catches fire inside the container, the compound reacts immediately, cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply and stabilizing the temperature within the sealed unit. The design ensures that the combustion process is confined internally, significantly reducing the risk of secondary fires or explosions during handling and transport. Japan has reported a steady rise in fires caused by portable energy storage devices, including power banks, rechargeable tools, and electric mobility batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries, prized for their energy density and rechargeability, can overheat if damaged, exposed to direct sunlight, or charged improperly. Authorities have noted an increase in battery-related fires in residential areas, transportation hubs, and waste processing facilities over the past several years. Local governments in Japan require used lithium-ion batteries to be collected separately under specific recycling protocols. However, many are still discarded with regular household waste, often leading to fires in garbage collection vehicles and waste treatment plants.
Nagoya University leads Japan’s fire prevention research
Fire departments and environmental agencies have urged manufacturers and consumers to follow proper disposal procedures to prevent further accidents. The Nagoya University team collaborated with municipal fire departments, waste management authorities, and logistics companies to test the device’s performance under controlled fire scenarios. The trials confirmed that the container effectively suppresses flames from igniting or escaping, even during intense thermal runaway a reaction where a battery rapidly releases stored energy, resulting in combustion. The experiments demonstrated that the unit remained intact and functional after exposure to multiple ignition events.
Assistant Professor Ishigaki, who specializes in materials design engineering, emphasized the importance of establishing reliable safety mechanisms for handling batteries at all stages of their life cycle. He said that ensuring secure storage and disposal methods is essential, as improper handling of used batteries continues to pose risks to both individuals and public infrastructure. The portable containment device is expected to serve a wide range of applications, including use by recycling centers, logistics operators, electronics retailers, and emergency responders managing damaged or overheated batteries.
Lithium-ion containment box ensures internal fire suppression
Its portability allows for on-site containment during transport or collection, addressing a growing safety concern in both industrial and consumer environments. Japan’s focus on battery safety has intensified in parallel with its expanding renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors. The development of the Nagoya University device reflects ongoing national efforts to strengthen fire prevention measures and promote safe recycling of energy storage products. The innovation is part of a broader movement among Japanese research institutions and companies to enhance safety standards surrounding next-generation energy technologies.
The device’s confirmed effectiveness through collaborative testing provides a practical response to a well-documented public safety issue. With commercialization planned for early 2026, it is set to contribute to Japan’s efforts to reduce lithium-ion battery fire risks and improve waste management efficiency across the country, enhancing nationwide safety standards and supporting sustainable handling of electronic waste through advanced containment technology. – By Content Syndication Services.