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LG Chem has introduced a groundbreaking safety material that prevents battery fires caused by thermal runaway.

At the same time, the Korean Ceramic Technology Institute unveiled innovative mini solid-state batteries, pushing the limits of energy storage safety and efficiency.

In the realm of electric vehicle safety, the innovative solutions developed by Korean researchers mark a significant breakthrough.

They both target the phenomenon of 'thermal runaway,' a major cause of battery fires.

This occurs when excessive heat triggers a rapid and uncontrollable chemical reaction within the battery.

The new material functions as an automatic 'fuse,' interrupting the electrical flow at the first sign of an abnormal temperature increase, thereby preventing potential disasters.

This advancement is crucial, offering a proactive solution to one of the electric vehicle industry's most pressing safety concerns and providing a layer of security that could drastically reduce the risks associated with battery fires.

LG Chem's newly developed material acts as a thermal fuse within battery cells.

Announced on September 1, this material stops electrical flow when it detects excessive heat, helping to prevent potential fires.

The team at LG Chem’s Basic Technology Research Institute created this material to change its electrical resistance with temperature.

If a battery overheats, resistance increases dramatically, preventing further damage.

This change is reversible, so the battery can return to normal operation once it cools down.

In tests, including battery impact and penetration tests, batteries equipped with this new material showed significantly fewer fires.

For example, in tests where mobile lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) batteries were intentionally damaged, those with the new material did not catch fire, unlike standard batteries where only 16% did not ignite.

Alongside LG Chem's work, the Korean Ceramic Technology Institute has made strides with its small solid-state batteries that can be integrated directly into electronic products' circuit boards.

Announced by Drs. Moon-hee Choi, Hyo-soon Shin, and Sang-soo Ji on September 26, these batteries use a solid electrolyte that allows them to be manufactured in a compact format suitable for surface mounting.

This achievement is a first in battery technology.

These new batteries are safe from combustion and harmful emissions, marking a significant step forward for integrating reliable energy solutions into IoT devices and complex electronics.

The institute’s process for mass production shows the potential for these batteries to become widely used, meeting the increasing demand for reliable energy sources in our digital age.

Both LG Chem and the Korean Ceramic Technology Institute are addressing important energy storage challenges.

LG Chem plans to continue testing its safety material in larger batteries for electric vehicles throughout the next year.

This could improve safety standards across the automotive industry.

The Korean Institute's solid-state batteries could change how electronic devices are powered, offering safer and more efficient energy solutions.

These developments are crucial as the need for advanced battery technologies grows with the rise of electric vehicles and smart devices.

The work of LG Chem and the Korean Ceramic Technology Institute is timely and could lead to safer, more sustainable energy storage options worldwide.

The use of these innovative technologies in everyday products can enhance consumer safety and push the boundaries of battery applications, setting new industry standards that could reshape the future of energy storage.