Ricerc@Sapienza

The main features of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are high energy and power density, which make this storage technology suitable for portable electronics, power tools, and hybrid/full electric vehicles. Moreover, during conditions that lead to failure, Li-ion battery cells could undergo into a process called thermal runaway, which has resulted in numerous fire accidents. Thermal runaway implies a rapid increase in battery cells temperature, accompanied by the release of flammable gases. These flammable gases could be easily ignited by the battery’s high temperature, resulting in a fire.

Li-ion batteries had a great development in recent years, and their use has grown massively because of their higher energy and power density with respect to traditional ones. However, their high energy density implies great danger in the event of malfunctions or failures, due to the emission of toxic and highly flammable substances. In the worst case, thermal runaway can occur. It is a chain reaction where unwanted reactions take place that leads to an uncontrolled and unstoppable increase in temperature. It can cause uncontrolled combustion and then explosion with great danger.