I do not know the exact chemistry of the Lithium-ion battery reactions, but based on my inorganic chemistry experience, it would not surprise me if there is actually metallic lithium in the battery when it is fresh; the lithium gets ionized as the battery is used. Metallic lithium is like metallic sodium and potassium: it ignites spontaneously in the presence of moisture (releasing flammable hydrogen gas in the process). Once started, it will also burn in air in the absence of moisture. Lithium-based batteries do store a lot of energy, but it means they have an unfortunate failure mode. Still, they are awfully useful. Rob KC6ROC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
