What Causes Lithium Batteries to Catch Fire?

[LaMaddox]

Lithium batteries catch fire due to separator damage or excessive temperature. There are two common types of lithium batteries: lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and ternary lithium batteries. These two types of batteries have different cathode materials. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have better safety performance and will only combust at temperatures around 800°C. Ternary lithium batteries are less safe compared to lithium iron phosphate batteries and can combust at temperatures as low as 200°C. All lithium batteries contain a separator inside, which allows lithium ions to pass through but blocks electrons. This forces electrons to travel through the external circuit, thereby generating electric current in the external circuit.