Product Information

Electrolyte solutions used in lithium-ion batteries are analyzed utilizing an automated system (prepFAST IC) in combination with an ICPMS to determine accurate and precise amounts of Li salts and stabilizing agents. Liquid electrolytes are one of the main components that are used in Lithium-ion batteries. The electrolyte allows positively charged ions (typically Li ions) to move between the cathode and anode, and plays a crucial role in battery performance and lifespan. There are three components that make up the electrolyte: Li salt (e.g., LiPF₆), organic solvent (ethylene carbonate), and a stabilizing additive (e.g., LiPO₂F₂). Some of the common Li salts are LiPF₆, LiBF₄, and LiClO₄. This work will focus on a quick and easy analytical method for determining which Li salts (or Li species) and additives are present in each electrolyte.

Battery cathode materials are pressed into pellets and analyzed by laser ablation ICPOES (LA-ICP). Simplification of the sample preparation not only eliminates the need for the time-consuming, hazardous acid digestion steps, but also decreases the time from sample receipt to result to <5 minutes.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to investigate the elemental distribution within the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) of the lithium-ion batteries. Four different anodes were analyzed in this study, these were a pristine, 3.6V, 3.6V without fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), and 4.8V. Each battery was cycled (charge/discharge) three times each.

Digested cathode powders were analyzed with the prepFAST MX+ connected to an Avio 500. This setup, powered by Xceleri software, allows for an automated standard addition method that provides more accurate results, less sample preparation, and reduced acid waste.