Which Techniques are Used in Lithium-Ion Battery Analysis?
In modern technology, lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are found in many different applications, including electric cars and portable electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Other purposes include aerospace and defense industries, energy storage systems, and medical devices. Lithium-ion batteries are now considered essential for many technological applications, making their analysis vital for manufacturing, enhancement, and applications. This blog post will focus on the techniques used to analyze lithium-ion batteries.
Why Do We Analyze Lithium Ion Batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries consist of many different components, layers, and structures that are essential for their high-performance properties. These comprise of fluids, powders, sheets, and other materials. The importance of analyzing LIBs lies in understanding their quality and reliability, which impacts their uses in various industries. Analyzing lithium-ion batteries is necessary to understand how they age, what internal changes occur, and what properties are present.
Lithium Ion Batteries Analysis Techniques
There is a growing demand for high-performance, durable lithium-ion batteries, especially now that their applications span multiple industries. Due to technological and scientific advances, several methods can be used to analyze lithium-ion batteries and their components. Below, we provide a brief overview of some key methods:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): SEM is a widely used method for studying the fine surface and internal structures and chemical properties of battery materials. It is also helpful for monitoring reactions and performance in next-generation batteries. Moreover, when coupled with a Windowless Energy Dispersive X-ray detector (EDS), this instrument is capable of observing lithium.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): This method helps scientists monitor the microstructural characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, including electrodes and materials, and study chemistry between battery components.
- Auger Microprobe (EMAS): Used to detect lithium, analyze a sample's surface and internal regions, and conduct depth profiling of positive and negative electrode materials, key components in lithium batteries. EMAS is also used to analyze chemical processes, irregularities, and surface structures of LIBs.
- X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF): XRF enables the analysis of types and concentrations of elements in a sample, which includes the powder used in lithium-ion batteries. This method is used to identify contaminants and the structural composition of LIBs.
JEOL USA: Lithium Ion Batteries
JEOL USA offers the instruments discussed above and more for the analysis of lithium-ion batteries. By using these tools, engineers and researchers can assess the performance and safety levels of these systems, leading to the manufacture of higher-quality products.
JEOL solutions are ideal for analyzing the performance and quality of LIBs, from manufacturing and failure analysis to research and development. The product ranges include spectrometers, microanalyzers, electron microscopes, and other scientific systems.
Contact a member of JEOL today to learn more about the tools and techniques used in lithium-ion battery analysis.