The new polymer-based Solvent-Anchored non-Flammable Electrolyte, abbreviated as SAFE, allows electronic devices to function at high temperatures without starting a fire.While this solvent improves battery performance by helping to move lithium ions around, it's also a potential firestarter.At temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), the solvent used in conventional electrolytes starts to evaporate, transforming from liquid to gas, and causing the battery to swell up like a balloon.Gooey flameproof batteriesOne key feature of the team's new electrolyte is that it has a gooey form similar to conventional electrolytes, which means it can be integrated with existing battery parts, unlike other experimental, non-flammable electrolytes."This very exciting new battery electrolyte is compatible with the existing lithium ion-battery cell technology and would make big impacts on consumer electronics and electrical transportation," said Professor Yi Cui."