Researchers from Newcastle University in the UK, and the Fire Service Academy in Poland, have undertaken a detailed comparison of three key battery technologies: conventional lithium-ion, emerging sodium-ion (SIB), and solid-state batteries (SSB)
They report that high energy lithium types (such as NMC battery variants) are more prone to fire risks (often referred to as thermal runaway) and these can become structural unstable when highly charged, leading to a potential fire risk. They also noted that thermal stability declines as nickel content increases. However, Lithium iron phosphate (LFP), is more robust and can thermal runaway even above 300 °C, making it less prone to fire risks. However, it offers lower voltage and energy density.
Sodium-ion batteries have more safety advantages, including higher thermal runaway, lower heat release rates, reduced hydrogen content in off-gassing and the ability to be transported at zero volts, which significantly lowers logistics risks.
Solid-state batteries represent a much more fundamental shift in thermal runaway risk by eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes.
Source: Energy Storage News: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: This study has been very clear that the future of battery technology will rely on a diverse group of technologies rather than Lithium alone, but before we get to that stage there must be a continuing level of improvement in the refinement of existing lithium technologies, as well as the adoption of these new technologies as sodium-ion technology offers a practical near-term improvement. Meanwhile, solid-state architecture promises safety gains as well as range gains. PSR
