High-Safety Lithium-Ion Battery Separator with Adjustable Temperature Function Inspired by the Sugar Gourd Structure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Thermal Engineering

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are critical for electric vehicles, but their performance and safety are temperature-dependent.
• High temperatures can lead to internal short circuits and thermal runaway, posing significant safety risks.
• Battery separators are essential for preventing direct electrode contact while enabling ion transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel thermoregulating separator for lithium-ion batteries.
• To enhance the thermal management and safety of LIBs using phase change materials (PCMs).
• To investigate the effectiveness of a calabash-shaped PCM separator in preventing thermal runaway.

Main Methods:

• A thermoregulating separator was designed using melamine-encapsulated paraffin phase change material (PCM).
• The separator's unique calabash shape was engineered to optimize heat dissipation and PCM efficiency.
• The PCM separator's performance was tested under conditions simulating battery overheating and penetration.

Main Results:

• The PCM separator effectively absorbed heat generated by the battery, preventing significant temperature increases.
• It demonstrated a notable ability to suppress temperature rise during battery penetration and short-circuit events.
• The calabash structure improved the melting and heat storage efficiency of the PCM, enhancing thermal regulation.

Conclusions:

• The developed phase change material separator offers an effective solution for overheat protection in lithium-ion batteries.
• The calabash-inspired design enhances thermal management and improves the overall safety of LIBs.
• This research provides a valuable reference for developing advanced thermal management systems for energy storage devices.