A comparative study of thermal runaway of commercial lithium ion cells. (15th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kvasha, Andriy; Gutiérrez, César; Osa, Urtzi; de Meatza, Iratxe; Blazquez, J. Alberto; Macicior, Haritz; Urdampilleta, Idoia
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 159(2018)
• Page Start: 547
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2018-09-15
• Subjects: Lithium-ion batteries -- Safety -- Thermal runaway -- State of charge -- Enthalpy; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.06.173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal runaway of three lithium ion cells ("A" - NCA/Graphite, "B" - LFP/Graphite, "C" - NCA/LTO) at 0%, 50%, and 100% state of charge (SOC) is studied by Accelerating Rate Calorimetry (ARC). Thermal behaviour of harvested positive and negative electrodes at three SOC (0%, 50%, and 100%) is analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Thermal stability of recovered separators is also investigated by DSC. Harvested electrodes and separators are studied alone and in contact with a liquid electrolyte. The thermal behaviour of each component and its contribution is quantified and thoroughly discussed. A crucial negative impact of the state of charge and presence of highly flammable liquid electrolyte on the thermal instability of the investigated cells and "electrode - electrolyte" systems is clearly revealed. Among studied cells, LiFePO4 /Graphite one is the safest due to intrinsic thermal stability of lithium iron phosphate LiFePO4 based cathode and despite the fact of using a microporous polyolefin separator with limited thermal stability. Highlights: Flammable liquid electrolyte triggers thermal runaway of studied LIBs. Thermal runaway kinetics of LIBs depends on SOC and positive electrode. LiFePO4 /Graphite cell is the safest among studied LIBs.