Using Raman Spectroscopy to Characterize Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Raman spectroscopy, a nondestructive technique, is being used in several applications related to battery analysis, including in the characterization of lithium-ion battery anodes. In an upcoming Q&A interview, Jennifer Ferguson, who is an Applications Manager at Renishaw, discusses why Raman spectroscopy is particularly well suited for characterizing Li-ion battery anodes compared with other analytical techniques.

What is the Spring SciX conference?

Spring SciX 2026 took place April 14–16 at the University of Exeter, bringing together the analytical chemistry and spectroscopy community for three days of research, networking, and exhibitions.¹ The biennial conference covered topics including Raman, infrared (IR), and molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), biomedical imaging, and process analytical chemistry.¹ A new artificial intelligence (AI) in analytical chemistry session highlighted the growing role of machine learning in the field. Some of the plenary speakers who spoke at the conference include Thomas Bocklitz, Sarah Bohndiek, and Bernard Lendl, alongside presentations from early career researchers and industry exhibitors.¹

What did Ferguson’s talk at Spring SciX cover?

Ferguson’s talk at Spring SciX was titled, “Understanding the Impact of the Fabrication Process on Li-ion Battery Anodes Using Chemical Analysis with the Strada® Intelligent Raman Microscope.”² Her talk highlighted the use of Raman spectroscopy to better understand the chemical composition and distribution of materials in lithium-ion battery anodes, which are critical to battery performance and lifespan.² Because anodes contain multiple carbon-based materials, conductive additives, and binders, characterizing these components is essential for improving battery quality and durability.² Using the Strada Intelligent Raman microscope, Ferguson and her team analyzed anodes prepared through different fabrication methods. The results quantified variations in graphitic and amorphous carbon content and revealed reduced particle domain sizes, suggesting material degradation during mixing.² These findings demonstrated Raman spectroscopy’s value for assessing anode quality and identifying processing steps that may impact long-term battery performance.

What will the interview with Ferguson focus on?

In this upcoming Q&A with Ferguson, we will dive into several important topics, both related to what she discussed at Spring SciX, and her career at large. We will explore how Raman spectroscopy is being used to better understand and improve lithium-ion battery anodes. Discussion will focus on why Raman is particularly effective for analyzing battery materials, including its ability to distinguish graphitic and amorphous carbon and reveal chemical distribution within anodes, which directly impacts battery performance, efficiency, and lifespan. The interview will also highlight the role of the Strada Intelligent Raman microscope in advancing battery characterization. Beyond the technical discussion, the interview will provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, required skills, and career path of an Applications Manager at Renishaw, along with reflections on key takeaways from the Spring SciX Conference.

Why is lithium-ion battery analysis important to study?

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage, making their performance, safety, and lifespan critical areas of research. Improving lithium-ion batteries requires analytical techniques throughout development, manufacturing, testing, quality control, safety assessment, and recycling.³ Spectroscopic methods play a central role in characterizing lithium-ion battery materials, with commonly used techniques, including inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), near-infrared (NIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), fluorescence, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).³ These tools help researchers analyze the structural, compositional, and electrochemical properties of battery materials.³ This review examines LIB technology and highlights the importance of spectroscopy in advancing battery innovation.

Our upcoming conversation with Ferguson is part of our coverage of the Spring Sci conference and will be published on May 26th. To view the rest of our coverage of the Spring SciX, you can visit our conference landing page.

References

1. Wetzel, W.; Spectroscopy Staff. Previewing Spring SciX 2026. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/previewing-spring-scix-2026 (accessed 2026-05-15).
2. Ferguson, J. Understanding the Impact of the Fabrication Process on Li-ion Battery Anodes Using Chemical Analysis with the Strada® Intelligent Raman Microscope. Presented at Spring SciX, Exeter, United Kingdom, 2026. Available at: https://rapide-diagnostics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Spring-SciX-Programme.pdf
3. Workman, Jr., J. A Comprehensive Review of Spectroscopic Techniques for Lithium-Ion Battery Analysis. Spectrosc. Suppl. 2024, 39 (s11), 6–16. DOI: 10.56530/spectroscopy.ii3689u3