Thermal runaway characteristics of Ni-rich lithium-ion batteries employing TPP-based electrolytes

Enhancing the safety performance of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries are crucial for their widespread adoption. Herein, a cost-effective and highly efficient electrolyte additive, Triphenyl phosphate (TPP), demonstrates flame-retardant properties by scavenging hydrogen radicals in the flame, thereby inhibiting chain reactions and flame propagation to enhance the safety performance of graphite/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) pouch cells. The results reveal that the capacity retention of cells without flame retardants, and those with the addition of 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% TPP, is 96.4%, 92.1%, 84.15%, 71.0%, and 15.4% (1/2C 300 cycles), respectively. Furthermore, compared to cells without flame retardants, the highest temperature during thermal runaway decreases by 10.7%, 28.9%, 36.8%, and 40.4% with the addition of 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% TPP, respectively. Through comprehensive analysis of the impact of flame-retardant additives on battery electrochemical performance and safety, it is determined that the optimal addition amount is 3 wt%. At this level, there are no significant flames during battery abuse, the triggering temperature for thermal runaway increases by 26.6°C, nd the maximum temperature decreases by 175°C. Moreover, even after 300 cycles at 1/2C, a capacity of 814.5mAh g-1 is retained, with a capacity retention rate of 84.1%. This study provides valuable insights into the mitigation of thermal runaway in high-energy-density power batteries.