Lithium Ion Batteries Sparks Samsung Recall

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Samsung recalled 2.5 million phones using its lithium ion batteries, at the risk of them exploding.

Lithium ion batteries are used in a number of devices and after the problems with Samsung phones, there are mounting concerns other items using these batteries may explode.

The rechargeable lithium ion batteries are unique because lithium ions move from one side to another. Ions from the positive side, are separated by an electrolyte layer, but make their way to the negative side when charging.

During use, the flow reverses.

Samsung told CBS News, the positive and negative side came into contact with each other, causing the manufacturing process error.

"This would generally be a flaw in the manufacturing process that wasn't caught during the quality control measurements," said electrochemist, Walter Van Schalkwijk.

Lithium ion batteries are popular because they're lightweight and can store large amounts of energy, powering electronics like laptops and hover boards.

Last week a Jeep caught on fire after the owner left his new phone inside to charge.

"The failure rates for most lithium battery designs are like one out of 20 million," said Van Schalkwijk.

Samsung reports 35 confirmed cases of the Galaxy 7 catching fire. For privacy reasons, Samsung will not disclose where those faulty batteries were made.

Samsung is advising Note 7 owners to power down their phones and exchange it for a different phone.

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