[Elecraft] Re: Li-ion battery

[RBrigham1 at cs.com]

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