Lithium Battery Safety Hazards and Protection: A Game of Technology and Risk

Lithium Battery Safety Hazards and Protection: A Game of Technology and Risk

The energy density advantage and safety risks of lithium batteries are like two sides of the same coin. When a battery undergoes overcharging, lithium ions are overly embedded in the negative electrode, which can trigger the growth of lithium dendrites, piercing the separator and causing a short circuit. Under high-temperature conditions, the side reactions between the electrolyte and electrode materials intensify, generating a large amount of gas and heat. If heat dissipation is not timely, thermal runaway will occur. The lithium battery fire incident of the Boeing 787 passenger aircraft in 2019 is a typical case of a chain reaction caused by a malfunction in the cooling system. To mitigate risks, the industry has established multiple protection systems: at the hardware level, protection circuits monitor voltage and current in real time and instantly cut off the circuit in case of abnormalities; In terms of material innovation, solid electrolytes replace organic electrolytes, eliminating the risk of flammability from the root. In the structural design, components such as explosion-proof valves and heat dissipation channels form a "safety net". In addition, it is equally crucial for users to use them in a standardized manner (such as avoiding high temperatures and direct sunlight, and using the original factory charger). Only by taking both technical measures and usage norms into account can the safe operation of lithium batteries be ensured.