Stanford scientists develop 'smart' lithium-ion battery

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Stanford University scientists have developed a smart lithium-ion battery that can warn users before it overheats and bursts into flames.

The ultra-thin copper sensor lies on top of a conventional battery separator that's the white square there.

That layer then acts as an early warning system to tell users when a lithium-ion battery is overheating.