LG Chem material improves battery safety

Scientists at LG Chem have published research describing a new material designed to stop batteries from overheating. It is made of molecularly engineered polythiophene and carbon additives. The company put a 1 µm layer between the cathode and the current collector. The material’s electrical resistance increases as temperature rises, blocking the flow of electricity and preventing a fire when a battery overheats. The material becomes conductive again after the battery cools.