Review: Microcapsules for enhancing the safety of LIBs

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in various applications, but their safety issues, such as thermal runaway and fire hazards, remain a major challenge. Microencapsulation technology is a promising strategy to improve the safety of LIBs by encapsulating different functional materials, such as flame retardants, phase-change materials, and self-healing agents, in microcapsules with controlled release properties. This review summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and application of microcapsules for enhancing the safety of LIBs. The microcapsules are classified according to their core materials and safety mechanisms, and their effects on the electrochemical performance and thermal stability of LIBs are discussed. The challenges and future perspectives of microencapsulation technology for LIBs safety are also addressed.