Sodium Powder for Batteries (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Sodium normally explodes if exposed to water, but performs well in batteries as a powder, Purdue researchers discovered. Credit Purdue University video/Vilas Pol 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.