Originally published on March 7, 2014<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />US scientists have discovered a material that can substitute the flammable components in lithium ion batteries, offering a safer alternative to the commonly used, yet potentially dangerous batteries such as those that grounded the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.<br /><br />According to Knovel, scientists at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill have found a material, known as perfluoropolyether [PFPE], to replace the flammable component in lithium ion batteries. <br /><br />The material has been used as an unguent for gears in heavy duty industrial equipment and was recently studied as a potential solution to the problem of aquatic creatures adhering to the bottom of sea-faring vessels. <br /><br />The substance that can replace the electrolyte in lithium ion batteries is called perfluoropolyether. It can dissolve lithium salt and exhibits thermal stability beyond 200°C .<br /><br />Lithium is also a highly reactive substance containing sodium and potassium. Like all batteries, lithium-ion ones consist of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte, a solution of lithium salts and organic solvents. <br /><br />Most of these solvents are highly flammable. When a small fault in the extremely thin separators that keep the battery elements apart appears, it can lead to an internal short-circuit and a subsequent build-up of heat. This can trigger the battery to overheat and on some occasions burst into flames.<br /><br />Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable. In 2013, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was grounded due to electrical fires during flights caused by its lithium-ion battery packs.<br /><br />This animation explains how a fire is triggered in lithium-ion batteries.<br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Welcome to TomoNews, where we animate the most entertaining news on the internets. Come here for an animated look at viral headlines, US ne
