Why are lithium-ion batteries so popular?
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have high energy density, large energy storage capacity despite small size, and are lightweight and portable, making them an ideal type of battery.
What are the real risks of lithium-ion battery overheating accidents?
When lithium-ion batteries overheat, their internal components risk degradation or a series of chemical reactions that generate heat and gaseous products. Furthermore, the electrolyte facilitates the flow of lithium ions between the electrodes. However, these organic electrodes are not only highly volatile but also flammable. According to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, despite the numerous accidents caused by overheating in lithium-ion batteries, the overall failure rate is extremely low. It is estimated that the failure rate of mass-produced lithium-ion batteries is between one in ten million and one in forty million.
How can consumers prevent lithium-ion battery accidents caused by overheating?
The most important safety measure is to avoid overcharging or overheating lithium-ion electronic devices. Exposing the battery to high temperatures will shorten its lifespan.
Currently, research is underway to replace electrolytes with more stable solid materials while maintaining their high ionic conductivity. The current challenge lies in the fragility of many solid electrolytes. The team is exploring the fusion of lithium-ion conductive ceramic nanomaterials with polymers to obtain an ideal solid electrolyte that ensures good mechanical properties, high lithium-ion conductivity, and improved safety performance.
