Preventing Li-ion cell explosion during thermal runaway with reduced pressure

Concerning Li-ion cells it is demonstrated by overcharging tests both on the shelf in a fume-hood and in an accelerating rate calorimeter that the application of reduced pressure in the moment of a thermal runaway accident can prevent a fire and in particular a cell explosion, caused by the electrolyte. Within the experiment, pouch-bag Li-ion cells (88 mAh and 264 mAh) composed of graphite and NMC (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2) were overcharged by 10 C in order to induce a thermal runaway. In spite of a strong temperature increase, the cell remains tightly close during the thermal runaway without any fire or explosion in case of vacuum application.