Review of prevention and mitigation technologies for thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in transportation, power equipment, aerospace, and other fields. However, the complex electrochemical reactions inside the battery cause excessive heat generation rate due to thermal, mechanical, and electrical abuse conditions, and even lead to thermal runaway. The problem of thermal runaway has become an important factor limiting its use. This review summarizes the intrinsic safety of batteries, thermal management, early monitoring and warning for thermal runaway, fire prevention and fire suppression technologies. The intrinsic safety technologies were summarized from the aspects of electrolyte flame retardancy, improvement of thermal stability of battery materials, and ceramic separators. To effectively control battery temperature, thermal management technologies were elaborated from the perspectives of air cooling, liquid cooling, heat pipes, phase change materials, and coupled thermal management. Single parameter detection, multi parameter composite detection, and new detection technologies were also discussed. In-situ monitoring of batteries based on fiber optic sensors helps to achieve early warning of thermal runaway. After thermal runaway occurs, fire prevention and fire extinguishing technology can effectively reduce the harm of thermal runaway, which should be given sufficient attention. This work provides important references value and research ideas for the prevention and mitigation of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.