Lithium Ion 2 (IMAGE) DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Caption When lithium ions flow into the battery's solid electrode -- illustrated here in hexagonal slices -- the lithium can rearrange itself, causing the ions to clump together into hot spots that end up shortening the battery lifetime. Credit Stanford University/3Dgraphic Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.