Size distribution and elemental analysis of fine particles from Li-ion battery cell fire

Článek Scopus

en

The rapid rise of lithium-ion batteries, especially in electromobility, raises firefighting challenges due to thermal runaway and the release of hazardous aerosol particles. Understanding their properties is key to assessing environmental and health risks. This study focuses on the analysis of fine particle emissions from fires of cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells of two distinct chemistries, namely NMC and NCA. The primary objective of the analysis is the particle size distribution, elemental composition, and morphology. The cells are subjected to thermal abuse in a sealed testing chamber until thermal runaway occurs. The explosion and fire lead to the release of particles, which are captured using a 14-stage cascade impactor. The range of sizes of the collected fine particles is from 14 nm to 9.7 μm, with the mass mode diameter between 152 nm and 377 nm. Subsequent analysis of each stage filter of the impactor utilizes atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry to ascertain the elemental composition of the particles. Among the 11 analyzed elements, lithium exhibits the highest concentration in particles smaller than 1 μm, while nickel is predominant in particles larger than 1 μm. Subsequent analysis of particle morphology and elemental composition is facilitated by SEM-EDS.

Particles; Fine particles; Size distribution; Li-ion battery; Thermal runaway; Cascade impactor

2026-06-11

Elsevier

Process safety and environmental protection

214

1. 7. 2026

11