Addressing the safety of next-generation batteries

• 成果类型: Review
• 署名作者: Yang, Chuanbo; Singh, Avtar; Pu, Xiaofei; Mallarapu, Anudeep; Smith, Kandler; Keyser, Matt; Haberman, Michael R.; Khani, Hadi; Misztal, Pawel; Spray, Ryan; Ezekoye, Ofodike A.; Finegan, Donal P.
• 署名单位: United States Department of Energy (DOE); National Renewable Energy Laboratory - USA; University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; Exponent
• 刊物名称: Nature
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0028-2115
• DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09358-4
• 发表日期: 2025-09-18
• 页码: 603-613
• 关键词: induced thermal runaway; lithium-ion batteries; separators; STABILITY; cells

摘要

Owing to increasing demand for low-cost energy storage with secure material supply chains, the battery community is approaching a pivotal shift beyond conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) towards next-generation cells. Technologies that include alkali-metal anodes, solid electrolytes and earth-abundant materials such as sodium (Na) and sulfur (S) are reaching commercialization in cells. The abuse tolerance and thermal runaway hazards of such technologies diverge from conventional Li-ion cells. Consequently, designing safe batteries with next-generation materials requires a holistic approach to characterize cells and to understand their responses to abuse conditions from the beginning to the end of life. Here we provide a Perspective on how the safety and abuse tolerance of cells are likely to change for up-and-coming technologies; challenges and opportunities for reimagining safe cell and battery designs; gaps in our knowledge; capabilities for understanding the hazards of thermal runaway and how to address them; how standard abuse tests may need to adapt to new challenges; and how research needs to support affected professionals, from pack designers to first responders, to manage hazards and ensure safe roll-out of next-generation cells into applications like electric vehicles (EVs). Finally, given the large number of next-generation technologies being explored, we encourage giving priority to safety-focused research in proportion to the rate of manufacturing scale-up of each specific technology.