Scientists develop fire-proof lithium battery

Scientists have developed fire- and explosion-resistant lithium batteries, BBC reports. The devices produced sufficient energy for use in household electronics, but did not ignite – even when punctured repeatedly with a nail.

The batteries use a water-salt solution as their electrolyte, removing the risks carried by some non-aqueous commercial models.

– In the past, if you wanted high energy, you would choose a non-aqueous lithium-ion battery, but you would have to compromise on safety. If you preferred safety, you could use an aqueous battery such as nickel/metal hydride, but you would have to settle for lower energy – said co-author Kang Xu, from the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL).

– Now, we are showing that you can simultaneously have access to both high energy and high safety – he added.

Dr Xu said the interphase chemistry needs to be perfected before it can be commercialized. But with enough funding, the four-volt chemistry could be ready for commercialization in about five years, he said, as reported by BBC.

US Army Research Laboratory

ARL

lithium batteries

lithium

fire proof batteries

explosion proof batteries

electrolyte

water salt solution

nickel battery

Kang Xu