Toward safer, longer-lasting batteries for electronics and vehicles

The rise of lithium-ion batteries over the past 25 years has enabled much of today's technology, but on occasion, they still catch fire. Recognizing this liability, carmakers and other private industry researchers are focusing on developing safer alternatives. Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, explores the latest strides and setbacks in bringing one promising option—solid-state batteries—to the market.