Robust Methods for Elemental Quantification in Battery Chemical Processing

This episode delves into the critical role of regulatory compliance and advanced analytical methods during chemical processing in the lithium-ion battery industry. Experts explore how manufacturers navigate regulations such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), which limit the use of toxic metals, and how accurate documentation and battery passports can support traceability and future compliance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of verifying chemical composition and monitoring impurities to maintain product quality, safety, and environmental standards.

The episode also highlights best practices for method development and optimization using ICP-OES to simultaneously quantify major components and trace-level elemental impurities. Speakers share strategies such as sample dilution, matrix-matched calibration standards, multi-line spectral selection, background correction, and the use of internal standards to address interferences. ICP-MS and alternative elemental analysis techniques are also discussed to ensure accurate trace analysis and cross-validation of results.

Key takeaways include:

• Navigating regulatory compliance with RoHS and other hazardous material restrictions.
• Documenting chemical usage and material fingerprints for battery passports and traceability.
• Optimizing ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods for simultaneous analysis of major and trace elements.
• Implementing background correction, matrix matching, and spectral line selection for precise measurements.
• Leveraging multiple analytical methods or reference materials to ensure accuracy and reliability.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Ni, Y., & Feng, W. Agilent Technologies. (2019, January 30). Determination of elemental impurities in graphite-based anodes using the Agilent 5110 ICP-OES (Publication No. 5991-9508EN).
• Riles, P. Agilent Technologies. (2019, June 5). Multi-element analysis of air-filters using the Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-0882EN).
• Agilent Technologies. (2020, November 13). ICP expert automation software pack: remote, automated elemental analysis (Publication No. 5994-2835EN).
• Zou, A. & Li, S. Agilent Technologies. (2025, March 18). Enhanced RoHS compliance testing with Agilent 5800 ICP-OES: accurate measurement of multiple elements including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Hg in plastic materials (Publication No. 5994-8252EN).
• Qi, Y. & Drvodelic, N. Agilent Technologies. (2023, June 16). Determination of elemental impurities in lithium carbonate Using ICP-OES: quality control of chemicals used in lithium ion battery components by Agilent 5800 VDV ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-6112EN).
• Kubota, T. Agilent Technologies. (2022, October 3). Quantifying metal impurities in Li-Ion battery raw materials by ICP-MS/MS: sensitive, robust analysis of 64 elements in lithium carbonate using the Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ (Publication No. 5994-5341EN).
• Wenkun, F. Agilent Technologies. (2020, December 9). Determination of 14 impurity elements in lithium carbonate using ICP-OES: routine quality control of raw materials used to produce cathode material for lithium ion batteries (Publication No. 5991-9507EN).