A lithium ion battery is provided that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. One or more of the separator, positive electrode, and negative electrode includes a transition metal compound capable of catalyzing any gaseous reactants formed in the lithium ion battery to form a liquid. The transition metal compound may include ruthenium (Ru). In certain variations, the lithium ion battery includes an electrolyte that is a conductive medium for lithium ions to move between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrolyte comprises a transition metal compound capable of catalyzing a reaction of any gaseous reactants to form a liquid.