Portable energy source – or bomb?

There have been a number of recalls of lithium-ion batteries in the past four months. Battery specialist Isidor Buchman reviews the safety concerns, and describes how manufacturers are working to avoid the disastrous episodes that lead to product recalls.

When Sony introduced the first lithium-ion battery in 1991, the company knew of the potential safety risks. A recall of the previously released rechargeable metallic lithium battery was a bleak reminder of the discipline one must exercise when dealing with this highly energy dense battery system.

Pioneering work on the lithium battery began in 1912 . . .