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Batteries /

Electrolyte solvent composition -chemical analysis

The polar solvents used to dissolve the active salts (eg LiPF6) in Li-ion batteries are often carbonates, eg diethyl carbonate or propylene carbonate. The main composition, impurity profile and degradation products are of interest in production and recycling processes. We offer to quantify and identify these substances.

This service is also relevant in: Metrology

Service details

Service: Determination of the chemical composition of the solvents in Li-ion electrolytes
Delivery level: Non-accredited
Field measurements: Available
Price: Price on tender
Delivery time: Express analysis or according to agreement

Moufida Mansouri

Senior researcher

+46 10 516 57 69 Read more about Moufida

Purpose

Chemical analysis of the solvents in Li-Jon batteries is performed using gas chromatography / mass spectrometry both for quantification but also to identify unknown impurities or degradation products. The methodology is very flexible if it covers substances that are in gases at room temperature up to high-boiling oils. Depending on the question, the delivery is adjusted. This type of measurement can also be combined with other measurements to understand a process or supplement a specification.

Method

Gas chromatography masspectometry

Deliveries

Report, Powerpoint, Excel sheets or e-mail

Related

Determination of water content in electrode material

The water content needs to be as low as possible in all materials included in a Li-ion battery build. The water content of the solid electrode sheets can be determined with our Karl Fischer set-up.

Water content determination in battery electrolytes

Water is an impurity in Li-ion electrolytes. This is because water reacts, breaks down, important components such as the active salt LiPF6. Control of production and recycling processes towards low water levels is of great importance. We offer analysis of water content in, among other things, ketone-based electrolytes.

Opening of batteries-post mortem analysis

Opening Li-ion batteries for detailed studies of aging or breakdown is very useful for increased understanding. Likewise, other types of batteries can be opened after discussion. Visual assessment as well as chemical and physical analyzes are linked to the materials that are exposed. For example, electron microscopy (SEM) can be performed.

Determination of elements in battery materials

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Determination of HF in battery electrolyte using titration

HF in battery electrolyte is formed when water hydrolyses e.g. LiPF6. HF is seen as a contaminant and gives lower capacity of the battery and destroys certain electrode materials. We perform several determinations of fluorine species including HF in electrolyte.

Determination of lead, cadmium and mercury in primary batteries

In order to be able to label primary batteries with the Nordic Ecolabel, these must, among other things, meet the limit values for the content of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg).

'Black mass' analysis for battery recycling

To pave the way for optimizing battery recycling processes, a proper analysis of ‘black mass’ and spent battery components before and after recycling is very important.