Decoupling Gas‐Mediated Thermal Amplification in Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A New Paradigm for Safe Electrolyte Design

Thermal runaway remains one of the most critical safety challenges in high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. While extensive efforts have focused on stabilizing electrode–electrolyte interfaces, the key heat sources that initiate and accelerate thermal failure are still not fully understood. In this perspective, the underlying chemical processes are re‐evaluated by tracking the sequence of reactions during thermal escalation. This analysis reveals that gas‐phase reactions between species generated from both electrodes—rather than traditional solid–liquid interfacial reactions—play a dominant role in heat amplification. Based on this insight, three practical strategies are outlined for improving battery safety: reducing gas generation at the anode, suppressing oxygen release at the cathode, and disrupting gas‐mediated crosstalk. This paradigm provides new guidance for the design of safer electrolytes and battery systems, offering a pathway toward intrinsically safer high‐energy storage.