Researcher(s)
- Het Patel, Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Jun Xu, Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundance, lower cost, and reduced toxicity of sodium compared to lithium. Despite significant advancements in SIB technology, the safety aspects of these batteries remain underexplored. Internal short circuit (ISC) is one of the most dangerous failure modes of LIBs and has been the cause of several accidents in recent years. However, there are currently no studies on nail penetration tests or ball indentation tests for SIBs. These tests are two of the most widely recognized safety evaluation methods for metal-ion batteries. In the nail penetration test, a nail is driven into the cell to simulate a short circuit, while in the ball indentation test, a ball is pressed into the battery to simulate an ISC caused by structural deformation.
In this study, we present the first comprehensive nail penetration and ball indentation tests conducted on SIB pouch cells with a capacity of 0.22 Ah. Our research aims to address the gap in safety data for SIBs and provide critical insights into their behavior under mechanical abuse conditions. The tests were designed to evaluate the effects of these mechanical stresses on the thermal and safety performance of the cells.
Additionally, we conducted tension tests on the electrodes to gain a better understanding of the battery’s mechanical behavior and how it relates to overall safety. By examining the tensile strength and elasticity of the electrode materials, we aim to correlate the mechanical properties with the battery’s performance during ISC events. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify potential weaknesses in the electrode structure that could compromise battery safety.
Our findings indicate that SIBs exhibit distinct safety characteristics compared to LIBs under similar test conditions. This study enhances the understanding of SIB safety under extreme conditions and provides valuable data for developing safer sodium-ion battery technologies. The implications of our research are crucial for advancing the commercialization of SIBs and ensuring their safe integration into various applications