Review and Future Perspectives on Lithium Battery Fire Safety: Focusing on Design of Organic Components

Abstract

The widespread use of lithium batteries has led to frequent fire hazards, which significantly threaten both human lives and property safety. One of the primary challenges in enhancing the fire safety of lithium batteries lies in the flammability of their organic components. As electronic devices continue to proliferate, the integration of liquid electrolytes and separators has become common. However, these components are prone to high volatility and leakage, which limits their safety. Fortunately, recent advancements in solid-state and gel electrolytes have demonstrated promising performance in laboratory settings, providing solutions to these issues. Typically, improving the flame retardancy and fire safety of lithium batteries involves careful design of the formulations or molecular structures of the organic materials. Moreover, the internal interfacial interactions also play a vital role in ensuring safety. This review examines the innovative design strategies developed over the past 5 years to address the fire safety concerns associated with lithium batteries. Future advancements in the next generation of high-safety lithium batteries should not only focus on optimizing component design but also emphasize rigorous operational testing. This dual approach will drive further progress in battery safety research and development, enhancing the overall reliability of lithium battery systems.