Summary
- LG Chem developed a temperature-responsive material to prevent thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries
- The material is a composite safety-reinforced layer 1 μm thick that changes its electrical resistance based on temperature
- The layer acts as a "fuse" to block the flow of electricity in case of overheating
- Collaborated with Professor Lee Minah’s team and LG Energy Solution for analysis and safety verification
- The material passed impact and penetration tests, preventing thermal runaway events and ensuring safety for electric vehicles.
Article
LG Chem, a South Korean chemical company, has developed a temperature-responsive material that can suppress thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. The material, described in a paper published in Nature Communications, is a composite safety-reinforced layer that is 1μm thick and placed between the cathode layer and the current collector in a battery cell. This layer acts as a “fuse” by changing its electrical resistance based on temperature to block the flow of electricity during overheating.
When the temperature of the battery rises between 90° C and 130° C, the material reacts to the heat and changes its molecular structure. This causes its electrical resistance to increase by 5,000 ohms for every 1° C rise in temperature, with a maximum resistance over 1,000 times higher than at normal temperatures. The reversibility of the material allows the resistance to decrease and return to its original state, enabling the current to flow normally again once the temperature decreases.
The development of this material was the result of work by LG Chem’s Platform Technology R&D team, under its CTO division, and collaboration with Professor Lee Minah’s team from the Department of Battery Science at POSTECH. Safety verification was also conducted in partnership with LG Energy Solution, with impact and penetration tests showing that batteries equipped with the new material either did not catch fire or quickly extinguished the flames, preventing a full-blown thermal runaway event. The company aims to apply this research breakthrough to mass production in a short time to enhance safety technologies for customers using electric vehicles.
The innovative material developed by LG Chem is a significant step towards improving the safety of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in high-temperature conditions where the risk of thermal runaway is elevated. By introducing a layer that can sense and respond to changes in temperature, the company has effectively created a protective barrier that can prevent catastrophic events such as fires caused by battery malfunctions. The application of this technology in electric vehicles can provide consumers with confidence in the safety and reliability of these vehicles, ultimately contributing to the widespread adoption of electric transportation.
The collaboration with academic institutions and safety verification partners underscores LG Chem’s commitment to rigorous testing and validation of its innovations. By working with external experts and conducting various tests to assess the performance and safety of the new material, the company demonstrates a thorough and scientific approach to technology development. This collaboration also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing research and development efforts, ensuring that cutting-edge technologies are rigorously evaluated before entering the market. LG Chem’s emphasis on safety and collaboration sets a high standard for the industry and reinforces its reputation as a leader in battery technology.
Overall, LG Chem’s research and development efforts in creating a temperature-responsive material for lithium-ion batteries represent a significant advancement in battery safety technology. By addressing the critical issue of thermal runaway through the development of a composite safety-reinforced layer, the company has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of battery systems. The successful application of this material in electric vehicles has the potential to revolutionize the industry by providing consumers with safer and more efficient transportation options. LG Chem’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and safety ensures that its products meet the highest standards of quality and performance, setting a benchmark for the industry and contributing to the advancement of battery technology as a whole.
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