Comparative study of thermal runaway characteristics between sodium-ion battery and Li-ion battery under heat abuse

Abstract This study investigates the thermal runaway characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and sodium-ion batteries under external heating conditions. By collecting temperature, strain, and voltage data, the thermal runaway behavior of two-type batteries is compared. Results show that lithium-ion batteries experience rapid temperature rise and early onset of internal damage, evidenced by sharp voltage drop and increased temperature rise rate. In contrast, sodium-ion batteries demonstrate slower TR onset but exhibit more severe thermal runaway effects, including higher peak temperatures and significant physical damage due to combustion. The comparative analysis indicates that lithium-ion batteries trigger TR earlier but with less severe damage, while sodium-ion batteries, despite their later onset, undergo more intense thermal runaway events. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening safety protocols and materials to address thermal runaway behavior under different battery thermal abuse.