South Korean university develops advanced composite material for enhanced EV and ESS fire safety

Chung-Ang University researchers have engineered a novel composite material designed to significantly improve the fire safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and large-scale energy storage systems (ESS). The material integrates bio-based aerogel, known for its insulating properties, with phase-change materials that absorb and store heat. This dual functionality aims to tackle the critical issue of thermal runaway, a chain reaction of overheating that can lead to fires in lithium-ion batteries.

Existing insulation materials primarily slow down heat transfer but do not effectively absorb the heat generated internally. Phase-change materials can mitigate temperature spikes by absorbing latent heat as they transition from solid to liquid, but they often suffer from leakage and structural integrity issues in their liquid state. The research team overcame these challenges by combining the insulating capabilities of aerogel with the heat-absorbing capacity of phase-change materials within a single composite.

The developed material incorporates zinc oxide for structural reinforcement and flame retardancy, alongside hydroxyethyl cellulose/lignin aerogel for insulation and erythritol as the phase-change component. This synergistic approach not only slows the propagation of heat but also absorbs it, while the design actively suppresses leakage during the phase change. The composite is engineered to delay rapid heat transfer between battery cells and mitigate temperature increases, offering a promising solution for enhancing the safety and reliability of EV battery packs and ESS.

The findings were published in the esteemed international journal 'Chemical Engineering Journal,' highlighting the material's potential impact on battery safety technologies. The development represents a significant step beyond conventional insulation, offering a comprehensive approach to managing thermal risks in high-energy storage applications.