Addressing the safety of next-generation batteries.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Growing demand for affordable energy storage drives a shift from lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
• Next-generation battery technologies utilize alkali-metal anodes, solid electrolytes, and earth-abundant materials like sodium (Na) and sulfur (S).
• These emerging technologies present different safety and thermal runaway characteristics compared to conventional Li-ion cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on evolving battery safety for next-generation technologies.
• To identify challenges and opportunities in designing safer cells and battery packs.
• To highlight knowledge gaps and necessary adaptations in safety testing and professional training.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of current trends in next-generation battery development.
• Discussion of safety implications arising from new materials and cell chemistries.
• Exploration of holistic approaches to cell characterization and abuse condition response.

Main Results:

• Safety and abuse tolerance profiles of next-generation batteries diverge significantly from Li-ion.
• A comprehensive understanding of thermal runaway hazards and mitigation strategies is needed.
• Standard abuse tests may require modification to adequately assess new battery types.

Conclusions:

• Designing safe next-generation batteries necessitates a proactive, holistic safety approach from inception.
• Prioritizing safety research in proportion to manufacturing scale-up is essential.
• Effective management of emerging battery hazards requires updated knowledge and training for all stakeholders, including first responders.