Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Evaluation

Significance of the Topic

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have become the cornerstone of modern portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density, voltage, and efficiency. As market demand grows for longer-lasting, safer, and more sustainable power sources, comprehensive analytical evaluation of battery materials and cells is essential to support research, development, quality control, and environmental compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This whitepaper outlines a suite of analytical and testing instruments designed by Shimadzu to characterize every component of lithium-ion batteries. The aim is to provide researchers and manufacturers with a coherent methodology for compositional, structural, thermal, mechanical, and imaging analyses that underpin innovation and ensure product reliability.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The evaluation strategy covers electrodes, electrolyte, separators, and full cells/modules, employing advanced analytical techniques:

• Electrode Analysis
  • ICP Emission Spectrometer for trace and major element quantification
  • Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer for non-destructive elemental mapping
  • Electron Probe Microanalyzer for high-resolution distribution of binders and conductive additives
  • X-Ray Diffractometer for crystallinity, phase identification, and orientation of active materials
  • Imaging XPS System for surface chemical state analysis at nanometer depth resolution
  • Nanoparticle Size Analyzer for particle size distribution from 10 nm to 300 µm
• Electrolyte Characterization
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph for quantifying organic solvents, salts, and additives
  • Infrared Microscope for spatially resolved analysis of binders, separators, and electrolyte films
  • Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer and Gas Chromatograph for volatile species and solvent composition
• Separator and Thermal Properties
  • Thermogravimetric Analyzer and Differential Scanning Calorimeter for thermal stability, phase transitions, and decomposition behavior
  • Thermomechanical Analyzer for measuring expansion, contraction, and mechanical deformation under controlled temperature
• Cell and Module Testing
  • Fatigue and Universal Testing Machines for mechanical durability, nail penetration, crush resistance, and compression strength
  • Microfocus X-Ray CT System for non-destructive 3D internal imaging of cell architecture and defect identification

Main Findings and Discussion

The integrated instrument platform enables a holistic view of battery component properties, from atomic-scale composition to macroscopic mechanical performance. Cross-technique data correlation facilitates understanding of degradation mechanisms, material–electrolyte interactions, and structural stability under operating conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Accelerated materials R&D through precise phase and composition analysis
• Enhanced quality control and consistency in manufacturing
• Improved safety assessment via thermal and mechanical stress testing
• Optimization of cell performance, energy density, and cycle life

Future Trends and Possibilities of Application

Emerging directions include in situ and operando analyses to monitor dynamic changes during charge/discharge, integration of machine learning for predictive modeling, advanced nano-imaging for electrode–electrolyte interfaces, and digital twin frameworks for real-time process control and lifetime prediction.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s comprehensive suite of analytical and testing instruments offers a robust foundation for all stages of lithium-ion battery development and quality assurance. By combining elemental, structural, thermal, mechanical, and imaging capabilities, researchers and manufacturers can drive innovation, ensure safety, and extend battery performance.