Gummy material could improve battery safety

A chewing gum-like material could dramatically improve the safety of lithium ion batteries by replacing the liquid acid electrolyte. High performance lithium batteries are great for storing large amounts of energy and are used from everything from computers to airplanes, but their liquid or gel electrolyte poses a huge potential risk if it leaks. Now researchers from Washington State University have developed a gum-like lithium battery electrolyte which works as well as liquid electrolytes at conducting electricity, but isn’t a fire hazard like conventional batteries. The gum – which is twice as sticky as chewing gum – was designed by Yu ‘Will’ Wang under the guidance of Katie Zhong, Professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The gum is a hybrid of a solid and a liquid. It contains a liquid electrolyte material that is hanging on solid particles of wax other a similar material. Current easily travels through the liquid part of the electrolyte, with the solid particles acting as a protective mechanism. If the electrolyte gets too hot, the solid melts and prevents the electrical current from flowing and any fire hazard. The material is lightweight, flexible and can be manipulated, while retaining its ability to conduct. The researchers – who published their research in Advanced Energy Materials – hope to begin testing their idea in real batteries soon. A Gum-Like Electrolyte: Safety of a Solid, Performance of a Liquid