Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent issues surrounding power banks, particularly focusing on the quality problems caused by a specific battery cell supplier, which led to safety concerns and recalls in the market [4][8][6]. Group 1: Quality Issues and Supply Chain - A major quality issue with power banks was traced back to a battery cell supplier that improperly replaced the separator material between the positive and negative electrodes, resulting in defective products that could overheat, swell, or even catch fire [8][6]. - The defective power banks entered the market around early 2024, leading to widespread recalls and bans due to safety hazards [8][6]. Group 2: Battery Lifespan and Maintenance - Lithium-ion batteries, including those in power banks, have a limited lifespan due to the inevitable chemical reactions that occur during charging and discharging cycles, which can lead to irreversible damage [12][13]. - The phenomenon of lithium plating, where lithium ions form sharp dendrites that can pierce the separator, is a significant factor in battery failure and safety risks [16][15]. Group 3: Recommendations for Battery Care - Users are advised to avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, as well as to monitor for physical changes in batteries, such as swelling or leakage, which indicate potential hazards [21][24]. - For aging batteries that show no physical changes but have degraded performance, it is recommended to charge them periodically and store them in a controlled environment to extend their usable life [33][35]. - Devices currently in use should be protected from water exposure and physical impacts, as these can lead to short circuits and other failures [39][42].

Core Viewpoint - The recent issues surrounding power banks highlight the broader concern regarding the finite lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, which are consumables despite their widespread use [3][8]. Group 1: Quality Issues and Supply Chain - A major cause of the recent power bank quality problems was a battery cell manufacturing factory that violated regulations by replacing the separator material between the positive and negative electrodes, leading to substandard quality [4]. - Power banks using these faulty battery cells entered the market around early 2024, resulting in overheating, swelling, and even fire incidents, prompting recalls and bans [5]. Group 2: Battery Lifespan and Chemistry - Lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, have a limited lifespan due to the inherent chemical reactions that occur during charging and discharging cycles [11][20]. - The phenomenon of lithium plating, known as "lithium dendrite" formation, poses a significant risk as it can lead to short circuits and potential fires [15][17]. Group 3: Maintenance and Safety Precautions - Proper maintenance can extend the usable life of lithium batteries, but all batteries will eventually degrade, typically after 300 to 500 charge cycles, equating to about two to three years of average use [21][22]. - Users should be vigilant about physical changes in batteries, such as swelling or leakage, and should seek professional help for disposal to prevent fire hazards [26][31].