Controlled Energy Offloading via Self-Destructing Agents for Safer Li-Ion Batteries

Addressing the critical safety challenge of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, we introduce a self-destruction strategy incorporating spatiotemporal electron capture agents. In LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ batteries, 7 of 14 tested agents, notably phloroglucinol, effectively modulated thermal runaway pathways, reducing heat release by up to 65% and reducing the peak temperature of 176.1 °C. Phloroglucinol demonstrated particularly positive performance (70% enthalpy reduction and 72% peak temperature-rise rate reduction). Conversely, lithium iron phosphate batteries required alternative approaches as thermal output increased. By correlating agent properties like water-binding energy and phenyl reactivity with performance, we provide actionable guidelines for designing safer battery chemistries, bridging fundamental research with practical applications to mitigate the safety-energy density dilemma.