NMC and LFP differ in one component only: the positive electrode material. The negative electrode, the electrolyte, and the rest of the cell are the same. Comparing the two chemistries therefore means comparing positive electrode materials.
The question
Both chemistries share the same negative electrode, the same flammable electrolyte, and the same starting point for thermal runaway. So the question is whether the chemistry itself decides how safe a battery is. The paper concludes that it does not, at least not on its own.Key findings
- NMC reaches a more intense thermal runaway.
- LFP emits about ten times more hydrogen fluoride (HF) per kWh.
- The same total energy is released in a fire.
What this means
Both chemistries undergo thermal runaway, with different characteristics. The active and passive safety measures that prevent and contain it are the same for both. Battery safety is determined by the complete system architecture, not by the cell chemistry alone.↓ Download the white paper (PDF)
Special thanks to our author, Anna Tomsic, PhD, Micropower Group Battery System Engineer.
