Understanding Black Mass and Its Role in Battery Recycling

In this episode, panelists discuss the critical role of elemental analysis in lithium-ion battery recycling, focusing on the characterization and evaluation of black mass. They explore how recycling initiatives can reduce reliance on mining scarce elements such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, while emphasizing the importance of recovering these materials to support sustainability and closed-loop battery production. The conversation highlights ICP-OES as a key analytical tool for handling the complex and heterogeneous nature of black mass.

Panelists address the main challenges in analyzing black mass, including high variability between batches, the presence of fluorine, and matrix effects caused by multiple elements. Strategies for improving accuracy include using multiple spectral lines, leveraging ICP-MS for hard-to-measure elements, and applying careful sample preparation and leaching techniques. Experts stress that understanding particle composition and stoichiometry is critical for ensuring the purity of recycled materials and optimizing their reuse in new batteries.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• The environmental and economic benefits of recycling critical elements to reduce dependence on mining.
• Defining black mass and understanding its heterogeneity and analytical challenges.
• Overcoming spectral interferences and matrix effects using ICP-OES and ICP-MS.
• Approaches to monitor fluoride content and determine particle composition for accurate elemental analysis.
• Ensuring high-quality recycled materials for reuse in battery production, supporting a circular economy.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Li, S. Agilent Technologies. (2023, January 24). Determination of metals in recycled Li-ion battery samples by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-5561EN).
• Amorin, A. Agilent Technologies. (2025, January 23). Elemental analysis of lithium-ion Battery black mass recycling material by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-8064EN.
• Riles, P. Agilent Technologies. (2019, March 25). Workplace air monitoring: multi-element analysis of air-filters using ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-0690EN).
• Singha, S., & Drvodelic, N. Agilent Technologies. (2023, June 23). Elemental analysis of intermediate feedstock chemicals for Li-Ion batteries (LIBs) by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-6188EN).
• Riles, P. Agilent Technologies. (2020, June 3). Analysis of waste samples according to US EPA Method 6010D (Publication No. 5994-2027EN).
• Huang, L. Agilent Technologies (2025, January 27). Sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling: recovery of metals in green solvents by ICP-OES (Publication No. 5994-8017EN).
• 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).