Researchers at the Dincă Group from Princeton University have developed a sodium-ion battery that utilizes a new organic cathode material, bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone (TAQ), which has shown remarkable energy performance.

For decades, scientists have sought ways to counter our dependence on lithium-ion batteries. These traditional, rechargeable batteries energize today's most ubiquitous consumer electronics—from laptops to cell phones to electric cars.

Lithium-ion batteries have an internal chemistry that leads to major fires and toxic pollutants when they combust. What role can consumers play in keeping themselves and the general public safe?