NTU invention aims to prevent lithium-ion battery fires in phones and other devices

Prof Jason Xu (right) holding a short-circuited battery in his right hand, and a Li-ion battery that uses the new NTU anti-short layer technology. Dr Yu Linghui is holding an anti-short layer applied on a battery separator. — NTU Singapore

SINGAPORE: A new battery technology could soon prevent personal mobility devices (PMDs) and mobile phones from catching fire while charging.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) scientists have invented a battery component that provides an added layer of protection to prevent short circuits, the main cause of fires in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.