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Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Researchers Investigate Chemical Kinetics of Carbonate-Based Electrolytes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Peking University, in collaboration with other institutions, have conducted a comprehensive study on the chemical kinetics of carbonate-based electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The team, led by Dr. Hao Zhao, has utilized advanced experimental techniques to analyze the reaction chemistry and fire propensity of these electrolytes. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the thermal stability and chemical stability of carbonate-based electrolytes to enhance fire safety in lithium-ion batteries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study focuses on the chemical kinetics of carbonate-based electrolytes, including DEC, DMC, EMC, EC, and others, under oxidation and pyrolysis conditions.
  • The research employed various gas phase experimental techniques, including shock tube (ST), flow reactor (FR), jet stirrer reactor (JSR), and rapid compression machine (RCM), to analyze the reaction chemistry of carbonate mixtures.
  • The study highlights the generation of flammable gases during the oxidation and pyrolysis of carbonate mixtures and the product species can be analyzed by using MBMS and GC-MS.
  • The research team developed a chemical kinetics model to describe the decomposition and oxidation processes of carbonate-based electrolytes under low-temperature and atmospheric-pressure conditions relevant to the environment of lithium-ion batteries.
  • The study emphasizes the need for fundamental combustion experiments to analyze the decomposition and oxidation processes of carbonate-based electrolytes for enhancing fire safety.
  • The research was supported by the National Key R & D Program of China and has been peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

  • The study reports the use of various experimental techniques, including ST, FR, JSR, and RCM, to analyze the reaction chemistry of carbonate mixtures.
  • The research team analyzed the product species using MBMS and GC-MS.
  • The study describes the chemical kinetics model developed to describe the decomposition and oxidation processes of carbonate-based electrolytes under low-temperature and atmospheric-pressure conditions.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the thermal stability and chemical stability of carbonate-based electrolytes for enhancing fire safety in lithium-ion batteries.

Sources:

  • A Study On Chemical Kinetics of Carbonates-based Electrolytes for Enhancing Fire Safety In Lithium-ion Batteries - a Review. Journal of Energy Storage, 2025;131.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • NewsRx. Findings from Peking University Provides New Data on Energy Storage (A Study On Chemical Kinetics of Carbonates-based Electrolytes for Enhancing Fire Safety In Lithium-ion Batteries - a Review). Energy Weekly News. September 26, 2025; p 107.

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