Lithium-ion batteries used in hybrid cars, laptops and cell phones have occasionally undergone recalls and false scares concerning the possibility of exploding. Stanford University scientists have created lithium-sulfide electrodes that could create batteries that last four times longer and avoid any risk of possible explosions, Technology Review reports.
The Stanford group has created a prototype lithium-sulfide cathode that forms the partner electrode to an earlier anode developed in 2007. The non-metallic form of lithium avoids a safety issue where the lithium metal can grow branchlike structures that penetrate the polymer layer which keeps the battery's two electrodes apart. Such incidents can lead to short circuits and possible explosions. Read more »
