Cambridge University Researchers Identify Cause for Laptop, Cell Phone Fires

Scientists at Cambridge University have identified a major flaw of lithium batteries: over several charge and discharge cycles, particularly if the batteries are charged quickly, minute fibers of lithium, known as dendrites, can form on the carbon anodes. These lithium fibres can cause short circuits, causing the battery to rapidly overheat and catch fire.

A new method based on NMR spectroscopy can monitor dendrite formation inside intact batteries and can identify when they are formed and under what conditions.

"Our new method should allow researchers to identify which conditions lead to dendrite formation and to rapidly screen potential fixes to prevent the problem," said Professor Clare Grey of the Department of Chemistry.