‘Battery breakthrough’: Researchers use new material to make lithium-ion batteries safer

EAST LANSING, Mich. (InvestigateTV) - Michigan State University researchers have discovered a way to make lithium-ion batteries safer using an unlikely material: wood waste.The breakthrough comes as fire officials call rechargeable lithium-ion batteries “ticking time bombs.” These batteries power nearly every device in American homes, from electric vehicles to children’s toys.“Every home in America has them, whether it’s an electric vehicle, e-bikes, e-scooters, children’s toys, electronic devices, cordless power tools,” said John Newman, East Lansing interim fire chief. “We all have lithium-ion batteries and we charge and use those devices without any consideration.”Scott Swanson and his family learned about battery dangers the hard way. Last summer, they survived two lithium-ion battery fires in two weeks that destroyed their car and damaged their Meridian Township home.PREVIOUS COVERAGE:‘Twice burned’ — What to know about device danger in your homeThe culprits were a pair of childre