Agilent Solutions for Lithium-Ion Battery Industry

Significance of the Topic

The rapid expansion of lithium-ion batteries in electronics, electric vehicles and energy storage has elevated demand for precise analytical methods. Accurate characterization of cathode/anode materials, electrolytes, separators, degradation products and trace impurities underpins performance optimization, safety assurance and recycling efficiency.

Study Objectives and Overview

This review presents Agilent’s integrated analytical solutions for the lithium-ion battery industry. It covers strategies for raw‐material QC, performance testing, failure analysis and end‐of‐life recycling, detailing applications of atomic spectroscopy, molecular spectroscopy, gas analysis, chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Agilent’s portfolio addresses core analytical challenges with robust interference control and minimal sample prep:

• ICP-OES (5800/5900) using vertical torch, cooled‐cone interface and fitted background correction for simultaneous macro (Li, Co, Ni, Mn) and trace elements in complex matrices.
• ICP-MS (7800/7900) with high/ultra-high matrix introduction (HMI/UHMI) to tolerate up to 25 % total dissolved solids, enabling direct analysis of high‐salt digests without dilution.
• UV-Vis (Cary 60) and FTIR (Cary 630) spectrometers for anion quantification (SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, Si) and electrolyte/separator identification with fast fiber‐optic sampling.
• Micro GC (990) for on-site gas analysis of battery swelling products (H₂, CO, CO₂, hydrocarbons) with multi-channel TCD detection and portable field case.
• GC/FID and GC/MS (8890/Intuvo 9000 with 5977B MS) for quantitative profiling of organic solvents and additives, supported by MassHunter Unknowns Analysis and Library Editor.
• High-resolution MS (LC/Q-TOF 6545, GC/Q-TOF 7250) with MassHunter MFE, MSC and MPP software for feature extraction, structural elucidation and statistical comparison of unknown degradation compounds.

Main Results and Discussion

• ICP-OES analysis of ternary cathode digests yielded Li, Co, Ni, Mn recoveries > 90 % with RSD < 0.5 %.
• ICP-MS quantitation of NCA, NCM and LFP samples at 0.5–1 % TDS achieved accurate spike recoveries (87–114 %) across trace metals.
• Micro GC measured battery swelling gas composition: CO (38–42 %), H₂ (22–24 %), CO₂ (15–17 %), N₂, O₂ and light alkanes within minutes.
• GC/MS MRM methods for ten electrolyte compounds (EC, DMC, EMC, DEC, VC, FEC, etc.) provided clear TIC profiles and reliable quantitation.
• LC/Q-TOF and GC/Q-TOF workflows enabled unbiased molecular feature extraction and MS/MS‐driven structure deduction of unknown cycle‐by‐cycle electrolyte by-products.

Benefits and Practical Application of the Method

• Matrix-tolerant, high-throughput platforms reduce sample prep, avoid contamination and maximize uptime with intelligent diagnostics (IntelliQuant, Neb Alert).
• Portable gas analysis and multi-channel chromatography support rapid safety checks and failure investigations on-site.
• Advanced MS toolkits streamline identification of trace impurities and unknown compounds essential for performance, safety and recycling workflows.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

In-line process monitoring, real-time analysis and AI-driven spectral interpretation are poised to transform battery lifecycle analytics. Emerging ambient ionization methods, digital data integration and miniaturized sensors will further enhance material screening, safety diagnostics and circular‐economy recycling of Li-ion cells.

Conclusion

Agilent’s comprehensive analytical solutions deliver robust, sensitive and automated workflows for characterizing battery materials, optimizing performance, ensuring safety and enabling efficient recycling. This modular, scalable platform is well positioned to address evolving demands in next‐generation energy storage research and manufacturing.