Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research in Germany have developed lithium-ion batteries with no flammable materials in it. Dr. Kai-Christain Moller said, “ We have succeeded in replacing the inflammable organic electrolytes with a nonflammable polymer that retains its shape. This considerably enhances the safety of lithium-ion batteries. What’s more, because it is a solid substance, the electrolyte cannot leak out of the battery.” The polymer is derived from an inorganic compound that allows organic side chains to attach to it, its called Ormocer. Though the researches have developed prototype, they don’t expect mass production before 2011. When the batteries based on this new technology will be released it will have better storage capacity and more efficient power delivering, resulting in performance comparable to today’s lead batteries for cars.
[Via Ars Technica]