(368cf) Understanding and Quantifying the Benefits of Gel Polymer Electrolytes in Rechargeable Batteries to Improve Safety

As electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems become increasingly present, the importance of having effective, yet safe, lithium-ion batteries is rising. Unfortunately, these batteries are highly susceptible to a process known as thermal runaway: the uncontrolled spread of heat within the battery. This can cause the battery to melt, catch fire, or even explode. Thermal runaway can be initiated by circumstances such as internal short-circuiting, physical tampering, or overcharging. Liquid electrolytes, which most contemporary lithium-ion batteries use, do not have an acceptable ability to prevent and mitigate this disaster. There is an alternative though: gel polymer electrolytes. Liquid electrolytes are noted for their leakage and flammability, but by inserting them into a polymer to create a gel polymer electrolyte these flaws may be reduced. It has been determined that this will improve battery safety. So, I am imaging the spatial distribution of gel polymer electrolyte within batteries to determine which allocation of polymer leads to the most fire-resistant battery. Also, I will use a variety of methods to understand the effects of the chemistry when the electrodes and electrolyte parts are in contact. A battery’s safe temperature threshold will depend on the chemistry between the cathode and electrolyte. Calorimetry of battery compositions can be measured and studied, and then the data can be used to simulate the thermal runaway process. From this, I can test alternate gel polymer electrolyte chemistries. I will quantify the effects of these relationships to enable a better understanding of rechargeable battery technology. This would lead to a safer battery which is less susceptible to thermal runaway and could be scaled up and implemented into our electronics.