There is also another type of Lithium ion battery, LifePo4 which is lithium Iron posphate batteries. These type of Lithium ion batteries are much safer and are not likely to catch fire but they have slightly lower energy density. Hopefully the Umich breakthrough can be combined with LifePo4 to give it better energy density.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate_battery

The common battery type Lithium ion cobalt is bad for the environment due to Cobalt mining in Congo. Cobalt is a conflict mineral. Lithium Cobolt batteries are the type that catches fire. Lithium Cobolt is an environmental risk if it leaks into the soil. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_cobalt_oxide

Positive electrode https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery