PC Retail

Water-based battery to stop explosions?

Andrew Wooden May 7 2008, 11:19am

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Non-flammable silver-zinc batteries could put an end to surprise laptop firework displays

Following a spate of incidents in which certain lines of laptop batteries have had to be recalled after reports of explosions, some are looking to silver-zink batteries as an alternative.

The batteries use non-flammable water-based chemistry, which is less likely to spontaneously burst into flames, as dimethyl carbonate based lithium-ion batteries have done on rare occasions.

Apparently, the technology has been around for a while, being used by the military and aeronautical industries. The batteries also reportedly provide longer battery life – with some sources claiming they should provide 40 per cent more run time.  

The technology should be available in the US from August, as yet there are no reports as to when it will arrive here.

Link: Channel News