Nail penetration tests on a commercial battery (top) and on one with a modified electrolyte (below)
Prof. Yi-Chun Lu, Chinese University of Hong Kong
Changing just one of the materials used in lithium-ion batteries could prevent the uncontrollable fires that erupt if they are pierced or bent, and mass production of these safer batteries could begin in the next few years.
Lithium-ion batteries used in smartphones, laptops and electric cars have a graphite electrode, a metal oxide electrode and an electrolyte of lithium salt dissolved in a solvent. The liquid electrolyte allows ions to flow in one direction to charge the battery and in the other direction to release energy and power devices.
But if this design is punctured in such a way that it creates a short circuit, all the chemical energy stored inside is released rapidly, which can cause a fire or even an explosion.
Researchers have developed alternative…
