Lithium Batteries Are Set to Power the World—and Pose New Fire Risks

To the manufacturers of smartphones, power grids, and electric vehicles, lithium is a crucial element that allows for supercharged batteries, supporting the vision of a greener economy and longer-lasting devices. However, the unique properties of lithium that make it so valuable for energy storage also present significant challenges if batteries catch fire. There has been an increase in incidents involving lithium-battery fires worldwide, which has raised concerns about safety.