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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
In Situ Gas Analysis and Fire Characterization of Lithium-Ion Cells During Thermal Runaway Using an Environmental Chamber
Published on: March 31, 2023
Molecular Engineering of Flame Retardant Material for Safe Lithium-Based Battery
Xiaoying Hu1, Jinling He1, Yong Zhao1
1Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-efficiency Display and Lighting Technology, School of Nano Science and Materials Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Nano Functional Materials and Applications, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
Improving lithium battery safety is crucial. This study explores flame retardants (FR) to prevent organic electrolyte combustion during thermal runaway (TR), enhancing energy storage safety.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Lithium batteries are vital for energy storage but pose safety risks due to flammable organic electrolytes.
- Thermal runaway (TR) in lithium batteries can trigger electrolyte combustion, leading to explosion hazards.
- Current safety measures necessitate the development of effective flame retardants (FR) for organic electrolytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of organic electrolyte combustion in lithium batteries.
- To analyze the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen) in the context of battery safety.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different flame retardants (FR) at the molecular level for enhancing lithium battery safety.
Main Methods:
- Discussed the fundamental principles of organic combustion reactions.
- Analyzed the components of the combustion reaction (heat, fuel, O2) relevant to battery safety.
- Examined the molecular-level impact of various flame retardants (FR) on inhibiting combustion.
Main Results:
- Flame retardants (FR) effectively inhibit temperature rise during thermal events.
- FR reduce the flammability of organic electrolytes, mitigating fire risks.
- FR act by suppressing oxygen access to the fuel source, thereby preventing combustion.
Conclusions:
- Flame retardants (FR) are a viable strategy for significantly improving lithium battery safety.
- Understanding combustion mechanisms at the molecular level is key to designing effective FR.
- Further research into FR strategies is essential for the future of safe lithium battery technology.
