Elemental Analysis Strategies to Support High-Quality Battery Component Production

In this episode, global experts discuss the critical role of elemental impurity monitoring, process optimization, and supply chain management during lithium-ion battery component manufacturing. The panel emphasizes the importance of tracking impurities in cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials, including metals, halogens, and additives, to prevent performance degradation, dendrite formation, and safety risks. Experts highlight how ICP-MS and ICP-OES are used throughout the workflow to ensure precise and reliable elemental analysis.

The discussion also explores strategies for reducing waste and minimizing the use of hazardous materials through process optimization and lean manufacturing principles. By monitoring carbon and water footprints, optimizing energy and water consumption, and repurposing waste streams, manufacturers can improve sustainability and environmental performance while maintaining high-quality production standards.

Supply chain management is another key focus, with experts stressing the importance of verifying incoming raw materials rather than relying solely on certificates of analysis. Upfront testing ensures that impurities are identified early, reducing costly downstream failures and improving overall efficiency in battery manufacturing.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Monitoring critical elemental impurities in cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials to ensure battery performance and safety.
• Using ICP-MS and ICP-OES for accurate, reliable analysis throughout component manufacturing.
• Applying process optimization and lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and minimize hazardous material use.
• Assessing raw materials and supply chains to prevent costly production errors.
• Enhancing sustainability and environmental performance through footprint monitoring and waste management.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Alwan, W., Babu, S., & Zieschang, F. Agilent Technologies. (2023, July 5). Quick and easy material identification of salts used in lithium-ion batteries by FTIR (Publication No. 5994-6243EN.
• Qi, Y. Agilent Technologies. Determination of elemental impurities in silicon-carbon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-5590EN).
• Singha, S. & Drvodelic, N. Agilent Technologies. (2023, September 19). Analysis of elemental impurities in lithium iron phosphate cathode materials for LIBs by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-6736EN).
• Wenkun, F., & Yingping, N. Agilent Technologies. (2019, March 29). Determination of elements in ternary material nickel-cobalt-manganese hydride (Publication No. 5991-9506EN).
• Scadding, C. Agilent Technologies. (2023, January 11). Using elemental fingerprints to confirm the geographic origin of products (Publication No. 5994-5593EN).
• Ni, Y. Agilent Technologies. (2022, November 10). ICP-MS analysis of trace elements in LIB cathode materials (Publication No. 5994-5509EN).