Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in our electronic devices, but a phenomenon known as thermal runaway can cause them to simultaneously explode. This video, part of the Reactions series produced by the American Chemical Society and PBS Digital Studios, looks at the chemistry behind this.
It also gives a glimpse into what scientists like John Goodenough of the University of Texas, one of the lithium-ion battery's co-inventors, are doing to make rechargeable batteries safer. Working with senior research fellow Maria Helena Braga, Goodenough recently developed all-solid-state battery cells that are non-combustible, longer lasting and more powerful than existing lithium-ion technology.
