Why does a lithium ion battery smell bad?

It could be imperfect sealing, or maybe it diffuses through the cell's wrapping. The only volatile compounds I've seen listed as lithium-ion battery electrolytes are carbonate esters. Propylene and ethylene carbonates are supposed to be odorless, and Pubchem says diethyl carbonate has only a "mild pleasant odor".

Do rechargeable Li-ion batteries smell?

The rechargeable Li-ion batteries that you work with contain several solvents. The two that have distinct odors are dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC). Most other solvents in Li-ion cells are odorless. So it's likely that you are smelling those solvents.

What does a leaking battery smell like?

Nope, that's a leak. A smell that is sweet or like lavender is usually my experience with leaking cells. Usually, could be something else. If the battery got warm that's definitely a bad sign, as well as puffing. Could be there might have been some dust inside the charger and it got burnt off in a quick short that didn't damage anything.

How do you know if a lithium ion battery is bad?

Physical Inspection: One of the most obvious indicators of a failing lithium-ion battery is swelling, bulging, or any signs of leaking. A healthy battery should totally retain its original shape unless it's a LiPo pack that swells to some degree under normal operation. Any noticeable deformation is a red flag.

What does a lithium cell smell like?

Almost all lithium cells, good or bad, smell like ether, which is used for starting balky engines. This is a somewhat fruity/alcohol/volatile hydrocarbon fragrance - nothing like rotten eggs. In my experience, it's normal to smell this anytime a package or light is opened up.

Can a battery smell like rotten eggs?

Yes, a battery that smells like rotten eggs can be dangerous. Hydrogen sulfide gas is toxic and can harm humans and animals if inhaled. In addition, the gas is highly flammable and can pose a fire hazard if it builds up in an enclosed space.