A groundbreaking new thermal regulator has been developed by researchers from Tsinghua University and Zhejiang University, with the potential to revolutionize the safety of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This innovative material, introduced in a recent Nature Energy paper, exhibits the ability to rapidly respond to changing temperatures, making it an ideal candidate for safe battery cycling under various operating conditions.
The thermal-switching material consists of microspheres embedded within connected graphene layers, designed to expand in volume in response to temperature changes. This unique mechanism disrupts heat transportation by separating neighboring graphene layers, effectively regulating the temperature inside battery cells and preventing potential explosions.
During testing, this new material was integrated into a 50 Ah Ni-Co-Mn LIB as a cell-to-cell interlayer, successfully acting as a thermal regulator to prevent heat propagation and chain reactions that could lead to dangerous explosions. The material demonstrated a wide range of heat conduction and was able to transform to an adiabatic state within just 30 seconds when heated, showcasing its rapid response capabilities.
The researchers believe that this innovative thermal regulator could soon be implemented in other high-capacity batteries, contributing to their widespread commercialization and safe use in varying climates and operating conditions. This design ensures both safety and high performance throughout the lifespan of battery modules, marking a significant advancement in battery technology.
