THERMAL SAFETY OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES: MECHANISM, MODELING, AND CHARACTERIZATIONS

Thermal runaway is a major concern when it comes to the application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as power sources, as it can cause catastrophic consequences such as fires and explosions. Although there have been significant research efforts over the past decade to understand the behaviors and mechanisms of LIB thermal safety, the complicated multiphysics process, extreme experimental conditions, and low repeatability of experiments have limited our understanding of the global picture of thermal safety in sufficient detail. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the LIB thermal safety from the component material level (including cathode and anode materials, separator, and electrolyte), cell level, and module/pack level. We cover the evolution of the first milestone event, i.e., internal short circuit, to the side reactions, thermal runaway (including generation of white smoke and venting), fire, and finally, the thermal runaway and fire propagation. Importantly, we also discuss future knowledge, mechanism, and methodologies’ developments based on the state-of-the-art research progress. This review sheds light on understanding the thermal safety of LIBs and provides inspiring guidance in designing, manufacturing, and monitoring next-generation safe LIBs.