Experimental triggers for internal short circuits in lithium-ion cells

► This work describes the development of an experimental technique to trigger internal short circuits in lithium-ion cells. ► This technique involves the introduction of a low melting point metal foil during the construction of a cell that causes an internal short after a phase change. ► Internal shorts can be triggered in 2032 coin cells and 18,650 cells using this approach. ► Work will continue to develop this technique to control the type and magnitude of the internal short circuit in small and large format lithium-ion cells.