Analytical Measurements
and Vacuum Solutions for the
Lithium-Ion Battery Industry
Partnering for your successTable of Contents
Clean Energy Demand – Driving the Battery Industry

3

Lithium-ion Battery Value Chain

5

Mining and Raw Material Processing

6

Battery Component Manufacturing

11

Battery Assembly

17

Battery Recycling

20

Battery Research and Development

22

Services To Support Setup and Operation

23

Agilent Products for the Lithium Battery Industry

27

Sustainability and Commitment to the Environment

28

2

Clean Energy Demand –Driving the Battery Industry

A rapidly growing industry needs a flexible analytical partnerwith a wide range of products and services
Unprecedented growth in the lithium-ion battery (LIB) market is being driven by
demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage. This growth
has led to a surge in demand for analytical services to ensure the quality ofbattery products, protect the environment and worker health, and deliver circularuse of battery materials. Failure to properly characterize starting materials,
products, or formulations can result in costly delays, production disruptions,and intensive root cause investigations.
Agilent partners with companies who are supporting the transition to renewableenergy. From analytical equipment, to vacuum pumps, to training, method
development and technical consulting, through to purchasing finance, lab
audits, and asset management. We can help any company, whether you are astart up needing finance and method development support, or a large battery
manufacturer needing 24/7 uptime on instruments to meet production targets.

Global Lithium-ion battery demand, GWh, by sector~4,700~6x~1,700
~700
2022

2025

2030

Consumer electronics
Stationary storage
Mobility

Electric vehicles are driving the growth in the lithium-ion battery industry.
Source: McKinsey & Company

Global Lithium-ion Market Size (B$)
2020

44.2

2021

51.4

2022

52.9

2023E

69.7

2024E

81.1

2025E

94.4

The lithium-ion battery market will grow to nearly $100 billion by 2025.

3

Agilent Products and Services for the Battery Industry

Analytical instruments

Vacuum and leak detection equipment

Laboratory supplies

Reliably meet your analytical testing needs
using accurate and reliable chromatography,
mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy
instruments that are already popular acrossthe battery supply chain.

Ensure high standards of quality and efficiency
across your operations with our vacuum andleak detection products, including integrated
solutions tailored to meet your design, production,assembly, and testing requirements.

More information

More information

Be confident your analytical results areaccurate and that you’re achieving the optimum
performance from your instruments with
Agilent’s range of spares and consumables,
chemical standards, certified reference materials,
and sample preparation supplies.
More information

Analytical method development andapplication consulting
Improve the economics of your testing with the
optimum methods, instruments, and protocols.
Method consulting services

Analyst training and support

Product service and maintenanceImprove lab operations and minimize downtime
with courses covering troubleshooting,
maintenance, sample preparation, and software
operations. An active online community provides
answers for problems faced by analysts.

Reduce downtime, produce accurate, reliable
data, and comply with industry regulations withflexible service and maintenance plans.

Agilent Education
Agilent Community

Pre-owned instruments, instrument
buy-back
Certified pre-owned instruments deliver
performance and reliability at an affordable price.
Our trade-in and buyback program turns assets
into income. Products at end-of-life instruments
are safely disposed of.

Instrument service
Asset Performance Management
CrossLab Connect

Software solutions

Financial services

From data management systems, offering
secure, centralized management of youranalytical records to asset management
systems to ensure you get the best use fromyour investment.

Agilent offers flexible payment plans for capital
expenditure, instrument subscription services,and bundled services, consumables, and support
with a single, predictable monthly payment.
More information

More information

Certified pre-owned instruments
Instrument Buy Back4

Lithium-ion Battery Value Chain

Resea
rch
and
De
ve
lo
p
t
en
m

The beginning of a battery’s life – finda high-quality raw material deposit andmaximize the yield and purity of extracted
material, all while maintaining worker
and environmental safety.

Mining and Raw
Mineral Processing

Component
Manufacturing

Recycling

Cell Assembly
and Testing

The rapidly growing battery recycling
industry forms part of the circular
economy, reducing energy requirements
CO2 production volumes and raw
material shortages.

Re

se

ar

ch

an

dD

e ve

lo p mManufacture high-specification cathodes,
electrolyte, anodes, and separators tocreate safe, high-performing batteries.

Within battery manufacturing, cell
assembly, electrolyte filling, electrodedegassing, testing of the anode/cathode/assembled battery, and battery housing
leak testing are essential to performance,
lifetime, and safety.

ent
5

Mining and Raw
Material Processing

Exploration and extraction
Techniques for exploration for the mineral deposits essential for lithium-ion battery (LiB) production range
from aerial spectroscopy to on-ground sampling, and drill cores. While initial exploration can use remote orbasic onsite instruments, comprehensive analysis demands extensive sampling and lab tests.
Lithium can be extracted from rock consisting of lithium aluminosilicate (spodumene). Lithium can also comefrom brine where the lithium is present in salty mineral rich water in an underground reservoir. This water ispumped to the surface for processing. Other minerals, such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, aluminum, iron,
phosphate, and graphite are also vital for LiB production. Analytical techniques such as FTIR, Flame AAS, MP-AES,
ICP-OES, and ICP-MS are crucial for precise and timely data, aiding geologists and engineers in decision-making.

Powering the future:
A buyer’s guide to elemental analysis instrumentation
for unearthing battery minerals
Download guide

Mining environments are demanding, requiring sturdy and user-friendly instruments. Modern mines must
implement safe, environment-friendly practices. Regular monitoring and analysis are essential for worker safety
and production optimization, with diverse instruments needed to analyze various materials. Mining also
produces considerable waste, requiring thorough analysis to understand its composition, potential future value,and environmental impact.
Effective and efficient mining demands robust, precise analytical tools that ensure safety, optimal yields, andminimal waste.

6

Mining and Raw Material Processing

Testing needs
Companies exploring for battery minerals and then extracting them typically need the following analytical tests, conducted either at the mine site or in a commercial lab.
Mine life cycle stage

Testing needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Mineral exploration

After geophysical methods have identified a deposit, testing of
surface and subsurface rock, or brine samples, is undertaken to
confirm and characterize the elements present

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

Quantification of Key Elements in Lithium Brines by ICP-OES

FTIR, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS

Ultra-fast determination of base metals in geochemical samples using ICP-OES
At Site Rock and Mineral Measurement Using a Handheld Agilent FTIR Analyzer
Assay of alkali metals in Pegmatite and Spodumene Ores

Mineral deposit size andquality determination

Mineral extractability

Environmental
assessments

Mine site and refinery
EH&S

Mineral assays to determine if the deposit is economically viable
and environmentally responsible

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

Analysis of Lithium Content in Pegmatite Ores using AAS

ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS,
Ion Chromatography

Determination of metals in base metal ores using Agilent MP-AES

Metallurgical testing to establish how easily the mineral can beextracted and processed from the ore and to evaluate different
extraction methods

X-ray diffraction (XRD),ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, FTIR

Elucidating Rock and Mineral Composition with Handheld Agilent FTIR
Analyzers

Examine potential impacts on air, water, and soil quality, as well as
the local biodiversity

ICP-MS, ICP-OES, FAAS,
gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry (GC/MS), andvarious microbiologicalassaysAnalysis of Environmental Waters by ICP-OES per Standard Method

GC, LC, UV-Vis, FTIR, FAAS,
MP-AES, ICP-OES, and
ICP-MS

Mine gas analysis using micro GC

Monitoring yield and minimizing waste of operations
Monitoring of gases and dust to ensure mine worker safety
Monitoring of waste streams to ensure environmental complianceand to identify opportunities for further extraction

Assay of Alkali Metals in Pegmatite and Spodumene Ores by ICP-OES

The Measurement of Moisture Content in Mineral Ore Samples (PDF)

Analysis of Soils, Sediments, and Sludges by ICP-OES per US EPA 6010D

Multi-Element Analysis of Air-Filters using ICP-OES

7

Mining and Raw Material Processing

Mineral processing
Refining minerals increases their purity and changes them into a useable chemical form. Chemical analysis
is needed during the processing stages, to monitor input chemicals to ensure they don't contaminate theprocess, and to monitor the intermediate products to ensure the process is producing suitable purity and yield.
Chemical analysis is also required to ensure the quality and yield of the final product. The complexity of thematrix of the metal concentrates and the intermediate products typically requires skilled lab chemists orspectroscopists to operate the analytical instrumentation.
Lithium extracted from spodumene (lithium aluminosilicate minerals) is refined into lithium salts; lithium
carbonate and lithium hydroxide. Processing typically starts with a roasting stage, followed by acid leaching andconversion into lithium carbonate using sodium carbonate. The lithium salt then gets heated, filtered, and dried.
Lithium extracted from brines is concentrated in evaporation ponds, after which unwanted boron and magnesium
are removed. It is then treated with sodium carbonate to precipitate lithium carbonate. Again, filtering, washing,and drying are required.
ICP-OES is the technique normally used by a lithium processing plant to test the elemental content of samples.
FTIR and UV-Vis can also be used for these measurements. As battery manufacturers demand higher purity
materials, more sensitive techniques like ICP-MS are needed.

Global Battery Alliance passport
The Global Battery Alliance has instituted a “battery
passport” to achieve transparency about sustainability
and circular value chains. The passport reports dataon battery origin, chemical make-up, and performance.
Sustainability credentials including carbon footprintin production, circularity, and resource efficiency arealso reported. Article 65 of the European Union Battery
Regulation requires a “battery passport” whichcontains information for the battery model and theindividual battery.
The Chinese government is also adopting a digitalbattery passport to facilitate trade with the EU,
requiring similar data transparency requirements within
the battery industry in China.
All companies contributing to the battery value
chain will need to understand and comply with thereporting requirements.

Testing needs
Companies processing battery minerals typically need the following analytical testing capabilities.
Mineral processing stage

Testing needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Refining

Identification and quantitation of impurity elements present

ICP-OES or ICP-MS, FTIR

Determination of Elemental Impurities in Copper Sulfate using ICP-OES

Final productTesting purity of final product

ICP-OES or ICP-MS

Determination of Elemental Impurities in Lithium Carbonate Using ICP-OES
Quantifying trace-levels of 64 elements in Lithium Ion Battery raw materials
using ICP-MS/MS
Determination of Elemental Impurities in Lithium Hydroxide Using ICP-OES

8

Mining and Raw Material Processing

Organic raw material processing
Organic polymers and solvents are used across the lithium-ion battery value chain.
Materials derived from the refinement and subsequent processing of crude oil include:– Ethylene and propylene polymers,– Specialty polymers such as doped polyacetylene polythiophene, coated treatedpolyester (PET), and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), and– Various carbonate solvents and specialty additives.
Analytical instruments are required to identify, characterize, and assess the qualityof raw materials, in-process streams, and finished products. This testing is typicallydone according to recognized standards (e.g., ASTM and ISO).
Gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyzers
quickly provide detailed speciation information about complex hydrocarbon streams.
This information helps precisely calculate feedstock value, the purity and quality ofprocessing solvents, polymers and specialty chemicals.
Atomic spectroscopy techniques, such as MP-AES, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS are used
to quantify inorganic impurities at various stages of petrochemical processing.
Molecular spectroscopy instrumentation such as UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometry
can provide quantitative insights throughout the chemical process. UV-Vis canconfirm the quality of organic solvents. FTIR spectroscopy can confirm the identityof organic solvents and polymers, perform degradation studies and quantify polymer
ratios, additives, and contaminants.

9

Mining and Raw Material Processing

Testing needs
Companies processing organic battery materials typically employ the following analytical testing capabilities.
Testing needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Assessment of crude oil
before processing

MP-AES, ICP-OES

High-Throughput Multi-Elemental Analysis of Crude Oil

Impurity monitoring in
production processes

GC, GC/MS

Direct multi-elemental analysis of crude oils using the Agilent 4200/4210
Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (PDF)
Trace Analysis of Ammonia in Ethylene by Gas Chromatography and Nitrogen
Chemiluminescence Detection
Simultaneous Analysis of Trace Oxygenates and Hydrocarbons in Ethylene
Feedstocks Using Agilent 7890A GC Capillary Flow Technology

Analyzer solutions
for the energy andchemical industry
This guide summarizes
the Agilent portfolio of
analyzers serving the energy
and chemical industries.
Find your specific workflow
solution here.
Download guide

Analysis of Arsine and Phosphine in Ethylene and Propylene Using the Agilent
Arsine Phosphine GC/MS Analyzer with a High Efficiency Source
Trace analysis of permanent gases in ethylene and propylene hydrocarbon
products

Plastics material identificationand characterization

MP-AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS

Determination of iron, nickel, and vanadium in crude oil residues diluted ino-xylene using MP-AES

FTIRMaterial Identification of Plastics Throughout Their Life Cycle by FTIR
Spectroscopy
Polymer Analysis using FTIR
Identification of Solvents Used in Lithium-Ion Batteries by FTIR

10

Battery Component Manufacturing

Each component in a lithium-ion battery contributes to the battery’s performance and lifetime,or, when incorrectly formulated or manufactured, its early failure.
There are four main components in a lithium-ion battery, the cathode, anode, electrolyte, andthe separator.

A practical guide to elemental analysis oflithium ion battery materials using ICP-OES
Download guide

Anatomy of a lithium-ion battery

11Battery Component Manufacturing

CathodeTesting and processing needs

The cathode plays a major role in battery performance. The composition of the
precursor cathode active material (pCAM) and mechanical construction of thecathode can impact performance specifications, including energy density, safety,
and longevity. Common cathode chemistries include: lithium iron phosphate (LFP);
lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC); lithium, nickel, cobalt, and aluminumoxide (NCA); and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO).

Companies manufacturing battery cathodes typically need the following analytical
testing capabilities.

The cathode is made by applying a pCAM slurry to the cathode substrate(commonly aluminum foil). The slurry is produced from powdered pCAM, withstyrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder andconducting powder (graphite) in n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent.
Dispersing the pCAM slurry is often done under vacuum to avoid gas inclusions.
Once the slurry is applied to the cathode, chemical testing in situ is no longer
possible, so all impurity testing is done before deposition onto the cathode.
The foil is then heated and dried to remove the NMP solvent before rolling.
The NMP solvent removed during the heating can be recovered for re-use but
would need to be tested to ensure it is not introducing impurities.
The cathode is now ready for cutting to size. Before creation of the cell, vacuum
heating is applied to the cathode to remove any residual moisture. It is then dry
packed under vacuum.

Impurity testing
Metal impurities present in the cathode will have a deleterious effect on battery
performance, longevity, and safety. Analytical testing of input chemicals, binder,
conducting powder, and slurry solvent, as well as the final pCAM product, before it isapplied it to a cathode, ensures quality and purity. Determination of trace impurities
in concentrated metal salt solutions can be difficult, requiring analyst expertise andsophisticated instrumentation.

Testing/processing
needs

Equipment required

Example applications

Confirming the identityand purity of input
chemicals

ICP-OESICP-MSFTIR

Determination of Trace Metal Impurities in High
Purity Aluminum Nitrate using ICP-OES
Elemental Analysis of Intermediate Feedstock
Chemicals for Li-Ion Batteries (LIBs) by ICP-OES
Quick and Easy Material Identification of Salts
Used in Lithium-Ion Batteries by FTIRICP-OESICP-MS
FTIR

Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Lithium Iron
Phosphate Cathode Materials for LIBs by ICP-OES

Base material mixing

Rotary vane pumps androots pumps

Agilent Vacuum and Leak Detection Solutions for
e-Mobility

Current collectors coating

Diffusion pumps

Laminated lithium-ion
electrode vacuum drying

Dry scroll pumps

Impurity monitoring in
production processes

ICP-MS Analysis of Trace Elements in LIB CathodeMaterials

Agilent Vacuum and Leak Detection Solutions for
e-Mobility

Save weeks or months of procedure writing
Agilent has a fully developed standard operating procedure(SOP) for impurity analysis in an LFP cathode (as per the
GB/T 30835-2014 method). Supplied in Word format,
the free SOP is ready to be copied and pasted into yourcompany’s template.
A sample of the SOP is available online.

12Battery Component Manufacturing

Anode

Testing and process needs

The anode in a LiB has a relatively simple chemistry and construction, being basedon a copper foil coated with graphite. Research to improve energy efficiency andreduce the weight and cost of batteries is continuing. For example, a hybrid
graphite-silicon coating offers higher energy density, while copper-plated metals or
copper-plated polymers offer potential as cheaper and lighter anode substrates.

Companies manufacturing battery anodes typically need the following analytical
testing capabilities.

Natural or synthetic graphite (NG or SG) is the traditional main component for
the anode active material (AAM). Particle size and purity of the graphite are key
specifications. NG is mined and ground to achieve the right particle size. SG is
made from coke, using high temperatures, which makes the process energy andCO2 emissions intensive. However, SG can be produced in a controlled processthat delivers higher purity, which battery manufacturers prefer.
The production of an anode starts with a slurry of graphite, a conductive material
like graphene, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) or poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) asa binder, and a dispersant like sodium hydroxymethyl cellulose (CMC). This slurryis then coated onto the current collector (commonly copper foil). Hydrocarbon-freevacuum pumps are used to remove water by vacuum drying. The resulting coatedcopper foil is then cut to size. The vacuum drying step is essential to eliminate
impurities, residual gas pockets, and oil residues that could otherwise impair theelectrical performance of the cell.

Impurity testing
To protect product quality, input materials need to be tested for impurities before
anode construction. Input materials include CuSO4 for electrodeposition to
manufacture the anode substrate, as well as graphite, PVDF, SBR, and water forcoating the copper anode.

Testing/process needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Confirming the identityand purity of input
chemicals

ICP-OESICP-MS

Determination of Elemental impurities in Si-C
anode materials via ICP-OES

Quantifying andidentifying impurities
in an anode

ICP-OESICP-MS

Determination of Elemental Impurities in Copper
Sulfate using ICP-OES
Determination of Elemental Impurities in Graphitebased Anodes using ICP-OES
Elemental impurity analysis of Lithium Ion Battery
anodes using Agilent ICP-MS
Determination of Elemental Impurities in Copper
Sulfate using ICP-OES

Base material mixing

Rotary vane pumps androots pumps

Current collectors coating

Diffusion pumps

Laminated lithium-ion
electrode vacuum drying

Dry scroll pumps

Agilent Vacuum and Leak Detection Solutions for
e-Mobility

Save weeks or months of procedure writing
Agilent has a fully developed standard operating procedure(SOP) for impurity analysis graphite and silicon-graphite
anode materials (as per the GB/T 24533-2019 method).
Supplied in Word format, the free SOP is ready to be copiedand pasted into your company’s template.
A sample of the SOP is available online.

13Battery Component Manufacturing

The uses of vacuum during cathode and anodemanufacturing
Vacuum techniques play a pivotal role in the
production of electrodes for lithium batteries in three
critical stages of manufacturing: base material mixing,
coating, and vacuum drying.
During base material mixing, active materials, binders,and conductive agents are blended under vacuum
conditions to achieve the necessary uniformity,
viscosity, and purity. Vacuum aids in eliminating air
bubbles, improving the material purity and overall
electrical performance of the electrode.
In the coating phase, precise deposition of active
materials onto current collectors is essential for
optimal electrochemical performance. Vacuum is
crucial to achieve the right process conditions.
Finally, vacuum drying is indispensable for removing
moisture from laminated lithium-ion electrodes
without compromising their microstructure. Vacuum
conditions influence the extraction rates of watermass. Maintaining the right vacuum levels using dry
scroll vacuum pumps is essential for ensuring thequality of the electrodes.

Image used with permission from Nordmeccanica

Agilent vacuum
and leak detection
solutions for
e-Mobility
Download this brochure
to discover more about
our products for thebattery industry.

14

Battery Component Manufacturing

Electrolyte

Testing and process needs

Optimal battery performance and lifetime require the electrolyte to have thecorrect balance of lithium salt, organic solvents, and protective and performanceenhancing additives. Poor battery lifetime is often caused by manufacturing
process-related issues such as impurities in starting materials or incorrect
additive proportions.

The manufacture of battery electrolyte relies on the following capabilities:
Testing/process needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Confirming the identityand purity of input
chemicals

ICP-OES and ICP-MS
FTIR
GC/MS
GC/FID

Quick and Easy Material Identification of Salts
Used in Lithium-Ion Batteries by FTIR

Quantifying andidentifying impurities inthe electrolyte throughout
the production process

ICP-OES and ICP-MS
FTIR
GC/MS
GC/FID

Rapid Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Battery
Electrolyte by ICP-OES

Electrolyte testing
Confirming starting material purity, precursor mixtures and electrolyte formulations
are important quality control steps, particularly for lithium salts, the costliest
component (by weight) of electrolyte slurries. Such tests must be rapid, accurate,and simple to perform, and not introduce production delays. Degradation studies
related to production must also be rapid. However, deeper investigation for productdevelopment and improvement is also needed.
Lithium hexafluorophosphate is the most commonly used lithium salt for theelectrolyte in car batteries. This lithium salt is dissolved in a range of organiccarbonate solvents, including organophosphates. Production may also employ
proprietary materials for which there are no off-the-shelf reference standards or
involve new product/formulation testing using novel materials.
The organic solvent is typically a mixture of cyclic and linear alkyl carbonates.
Their role is to efficiently dissolve the lithium salt and promote high ion dissociation.
As solvent constitutes the bulk (by weight) component of the slurry, testing andmonitoring its purity is important. Additives range in composition and function,e.g., film-forming and high-/low-temperature additives, and are key to improving
the performance of electrolyte, even though their content is low. These complex
samples require chromatographic separation to fully analyze, but testing mustremain rapid and simple to perform.
Consideration of sampling handling requirements is also necessary. For example,
to safely test lithium salts, it is recommended to only handle these materials in anoxygen- and moisture-controlled environment, such as a glove box. Instrumentationthat can be used inside the glove box to test the lithium salts protects the analyst
and makes measurements easy.

Confirming electrolytecomposition

Quick and Easy Material Identification of Solvents
Used in Lithium-Ion Batteries by FTIR

Accurate ICP-MS Analysis of Elemental Impurities
in Electrolyte Used for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Determination of Carbonate Solvents and Additives
in Lithium Battery Electrolyte Using GC/MSD
Analysis of Carbonate Esters and Additives inBattery Electrolyte Using Agilent 8860 GC

Electrolyte filling process
enablement

Rotary Vane Pumps,
Roots pumps and Dry
Scroll Pumps

Agilent Vacuum and Leak Detection Solutions for
e-Mobility

Process control – battery filling
The filling of batteries with electrolyte can impact the battery’s efficiency andlifespan. Vacuum technology is used in this process to achieve two key objectives:– Uniform distribution of the electrolyte within the cell.
This is crucial as the electrolyte is the medium thatallows lithium ions to move between the electrodes.
Nonuniform distribution of the electrolyte can leadto inefficiencies in the battery’s performance.
– Guaranteeing electrode wetting and preventing
trapped gas bubbles. The electrolyte must thoroughly
coat the electrode surface and any residual gas must
be removed. This ensures cathode effectivenessand a smooth flow of lithium ions.

15Battery Component Manufacturing

Separator

Testing needs

The separator in a LiB electrically isolates the anode from the cathode whileallowing a flow of lithium ions between the two electrodes. The design and qualityof the separator impacts battery safety, thermal stability, and overall performance.
The separator must be porous to allow the transport of ions but demonstratesufficient rigidity and mechanical performance. Under excessive heat conditions,the separator should also shut down ion transport to prevent thermal runaway.
Polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) are the most commonly used materials
in electric vehicle applications; however, other polymer formulations and ceramic
additives are being developed. Impurities within the separator materials must be
minimized to prevent unwanted and uncontrolled reactions. If ceramics are used,
they need to be of ultrahigh purity. Rapid purity and composition testing greatly
enhances the manufacturing process. Simple at- or near-line confirmation ofmaterial quality with clear go/no-go outcomes are needed for technicians to makeinformed production decisions. Failed batches delay downstream processes anddrive up costs.

Companies manufacturing battery separators typically need the following analytical
testing capabilities.
Testing needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Studying battery
degradation—examining
binder and separator
materials for chemicalbond change during
charging and discharging

FTIR

Polymer Analysis using FTIR

Confirming the identityof raw materials and workin progress products
during manufacturing,
including surface
modification andfunctionalization studies
and monitoring additive
levels, comonomer
content, branching,
and tacticity

FTIR

Material Identification of Plastics Throughout Their
Life Cycle by FTIR Spectroscopy
Polymer Analysis using FTIR
Determination of Percent Polyethylene in
Polyethylene/Polypropylene Blends Using Cast
Film FTIR Techniques

16Battery Assembly

In the final stage of battery production, individual cells are combined into battery packs. Production requirements
vary, depending on final battery configuration and application. However, as with other stages of production,high quality must be maintained to ensure optimal lifetime, performance, and safety. Leak tightness of both thebattery module and final battery assembly are critical.
Battery form factors

Prismatic lithium battery

Cylindrical lithium battery

Pouch cell lithium battery

The external battery casing or enclosure houses the battery cells and protects them from damage andenvironmental factors. These housings must be water and dust-resistant, and provide adequate corrosion
resistance, electromagnetic shielding, and efficient cooling. The casing is usually made of a durable material
such as aluminum, steel or polymer, and is designed to withstand high temperatures and other harsh conditions.
Batteries can also be contained within soft pouches.

17

Battery Assembly

Battery assembling

Battery testing– Test chamber is evacuated– Battery pack filled with He– He released by leaks is detected by leak detector

TestchamberLeak detector

Vacuum pump

Leak testing
A typical leak testing configuration involves evacuating a test chamber using avacuum pump. A battery pack placed in the chamber is filled with helium, before
connecting a helium leak detector to the chamber. This testing can identify any
helium emissions resulting from potential leaks or cracks in the battery enclosure.
Accumulation-based leak detection is an alternative method used to identify leaks
in batteries when vacuum is not available in the detection system. In this method,a helium leak detector's sniffer probe inlet is attached to an enclosure thatsurrounds the potential leak source. The enclosure must form a sufficient seal
to accumulate helium from any potential leak, leading to an increased helium
concentration within the volume. The battery housing is designed to be waterand dust-resistant and requires specific leak detection tests.

Battery temperature management
The battery housing also contains a temperature management system to control
the temperature. Temperature has a profound impact on battery operation,
capacity, lifespan, recharging, and safety. Low temperatures can lead to capacity
loss, as they cause a slowdown in the chemical reactions within the battery.
High temperatures can pose serious hazards, including the risk of fire and explosion.
Elevated temperatures also accelerate degradation processes in battery electrodes,
affecting, cycle-by-cycle, the maximum storage capacity.
18

Battery Assembly

The latest electric vehicle cooling systems circulate fluid to precisely control thetemperature of all crucial components, including electronics, motors, cabin, and thebattery itself. Potential leakage within a battery cooling system and possible contact
with battery elements threatens both battery durability and pack safety. Detecting
such leaks promptly and accurately during the cooler production process is crucial.
Cooling system testing– Test performed in free air– Cooling serpentine filled with He– He released by leaks is sniffed and detected by leak detector

Testing needs
Companies manufacturing battery casings and housings typically need thefollowing testing capabilities.
Testing needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Detecting leaks in thebattery casing

Helium leak detector
GC

The Analysis of Swelling Gas in Lithium-Ion
Batteries with a Micro GC

Detecting leaks in thebattery housing andcooling system

Battery cooling leak testing – see page 8
HLD helium mass spectrometer leak detectors.
Helium Leak Testing Pressurized Components
Using the Accumulation Method

A helium leak detection system is used to detect leaks in the battery cooling system
during and after production.

Degradation, swelling gas, and aging studies
As batteries age their performance falls, often caused by electrolyte degradation.
This degradation creates gasses (called swelling gas) inside the battery, typicallypermanent gasses, and light hydrocarbons. The composition of the swelling gas canidentify production issues and improve battery design. In fact, during development
batteries are often artificially aged to promote degradation to enable subsequent
analysis and process and formulation optimization. Gas chromatography is an
ideal technique for swelling gas analysis as it is simple and provides confident
compound identification.

Confirming the identityof raw materials and workin progress products
during manufacturing

FTIR

Detecting electrolyte
degradation andgas generation inside
battery cells

GC

Material Identification of Plastics Throughout Their
Life Cycle by FTIR Spectroscopy
Polymer Analysis with FTIR
Determination of Percent Polyethylene in
Polyethylene/Polypropylene Blends Using Cast
Film FTIR Techniques
The Analysis of Swelling Gas in Lithium-Ion
Batteries with a Micro GC

19

Battery Recycling

Recycling of lithium-ion batteries is essential for environmental protection, waste
reduction, and economic sustainability. Recycling is also critical to delivering theenvironmental and sustainability promise of electric vehicles. The growing popularityof EVs has heightened the potential impact of metals or organic compounds fromspent batteries leaching into the environment.
While a battery’s performance may degrade over time, the materials (lithium, nickel,
cobalt, etc.) remain present and can be retrieved and recycled in a continuous
cycle. Solvents like NMP can also be re-used, provided recaptured material isdemonstrated to be sufficiently pure.
As the lithium-ion battery market grows, more raw materials will be sourced frombattery recycling, rather than from mining.
Establishing and operating a recycling facility, however, is challenging. Batteries are
not standardized or designed with recycling in mind. Their chemistry varies frommanufacturer to manufacturer, making cost-effective recycling challenging.
In terms of analytical testing, the process of recycling batteries requires similar
tests to battery manufacturing. Testing for material identification, impurity analysis,
and ensuring materials meet specifications is required. There are few industry
standard methods for recycled materials, so it is common to adapt standard quality
control analytical methods to test recovered materials.

Waste generated during battery manufacturing
Battery manufacturers also recapture raw material waste to re-introduce into the
production chain. These recaptured materials are put through an existing quality
control test program.

Testing needs
Companies recycling batteries typically need the following testing capabilities.
Testing needs

Instrumentation required

Example applications

Measuring the elemental
content of black mass
to optimize recycling
processes

ICP-OESICP-MS

Elemental Analysis of Intermediate Feedstock
Chemicals for Li-Ion Batteries by ICP-OES (fromrecycled batteries

Measuring the elemental
content of recycled
battery materials todetermine material purity

ICP-OESICP-MS

These measurements are the same as those usedduring battery manufacturing. See the anode andcathode sections earlier in this document.

Environmental discharge
and worker safety
monitoring

ICP-OES, UV-Vis, GC,
GC/MS, LC, LC/MS

Measuring fluorides in water

Determination of Metals in Recycled Li-ion Battery
Samples by ICP-OES

Fast, Robust Analysis of Various Types of Waters
by ICP-OES following Method HJ 776-2015
Multi-element Analysis of Air Filters

20Battery Recycling

Battery recycling process

Pyrometallurgical (smelting) process:The battery recycling process consists of:This is a high-temperature process where
battery scraps are fed into a furnace. The heatcauses the organic components to burn off, andthe metals like cobalt, nickel, and copper are
recovered in alloy form from the molten slag.
This method is efficient for recovering cobalt andother metals but not as effective for lithium.

Hydrometallurgical process:
The fine powdery residue from shredding or the
output from the smelting process undergoes ahydrometallurgical treatment. It involves usingchemicals to leach out metals from the residue.
For example, using an acid leach process, lithium
can be extracted as lithium carbonate, which canbe further processed and re-used in new batteries.

Electrolyte
recovery

Reprocessing (shredding or crushing):
The batteries are shredded or crushed into small
pieces, producing a mixture of metal content andother materials. This mixture is then sieved toseparate larger metallic pieces from finer powdery
material, resulting in a ‘black mass’ material.

Battery
shreddingCathode, Anode andmetals separation

Some advanced recycling methods use physicalprocesses like froth flotation or gravity separation
to differentiate and extract materials based on
their physical properties.

DirecPhysical separation:
Cathode,Carbon Blackand PVDF

cyclingt reEnd-of-lifebatteries

Carbon Blackand PVDF removal

Purification:
The extracted metals undergo purification
processes to remove any impurities, ensuring theymeet the quality standards required for re-use.

Battery use

Relithiation
and upcycling

Battery
manufacturing
RejuvenatedCathodeMaterial refinement and preparation for re-use:

Image reproduced from chemistryworld.com

Waste treatment:
The leftover material, which includes electrolytes,organic solvents, and other nonrecoverable
materials, is treated to neutralize harmful
substances. This waste is then managed anddisposed of following environmental regulations.

Once the metals are purified, they are processed
into forms suitable for manufacturing, such as
metal salts or precursor materials. These materials
can then be integrated back into the battery
production chain or used in other industries.
21

Battery Research and Development

Research and Development (R&D) within the battery industry drives innovation and enhancement of battery
performance, longevity, safety, and cost-effectiveness. R&D explore new materials and chemistries to increaseenergy density—crucial for extending the range of electric vehicles and the storage capacity of power grids.
There is also a focus on improving manufacturing processes to scale production and reduce costs as well as
involvement in troubleshooting manufacturing problems. R&D also contributes to sustainability by finding ways
to minimize the environmental impact through more efficient recycling techniques and the reduction or
elimination of toxic or rare materials.
An R&D group may provide production support, performing the types of analyses described earlier in this primer.
More often, R&D scientists need more sensitive and flexible analytical instruments than a quality control lab
to investigate new materials, formulations, and performance and degradation studies. An R&D lab must handle
a broader range of samples as they test new materials and seek lower levels of impurities. Techniques thatincorporate mass spectrometry, such as ICP-MS, UV-Vis, GC/MS, and LC/MS provide the higher sensitivity
needed for R&D applications.

Example applications
Investigation and profiling of organic solvent-based lithium Ion Battery
electrolytes and composition products using quadrupole time of flight
LC/MS
Quantifying trace-levels of 64 elements in lithium carbonate using
ICP-MS/MS
Accurate ICP-MS analysis of elemental impurities in electrolyte used
for lithium-ion batteries
Quality control of lithium-ion battery electrolytes using LC/MS

22

Services To Support Setup and Operation

Whether you need finance to buy equipment or help with staff training or technical support, Agilent is yourtrusted partner. Here are some of the areas that we support.

Financial services
Whether adding capacity, expanding operations to other parts of the value chain, or expanding R&D into newbattery formulations and types, your capital budget can be an obstacle to your ambition – but it doesn’t need to.
The challenge of being competitive in the face of evolving technology and regulatory requirements meansthat equipment ownership is a potential risk – especially in the face of shrinking capital budgets and inflationimpacted operational budgets. Agilent Financial Services mean you can acquire critical technology while
keeping your budget under control.
Agilent can design flexible payment plans to meet your business and analytical needs. You can adjust yourpayments based on your budget cycle: step up, step down, or defer payments. Even better, you can bundle
services, consumables, and support together in a single, predictable monthly payment. Also, Flexible Spend Plans
allow you to manage your operational budgets.
You could even take advantage of an instrument subscription. Agilent is your partner to simplify your sourcing,buying, and budgeting.
More information

Agilent Technologies is offering financial solutions to customers through cooperations with preferred financing providers in applicable countries.
Offers are subject to credit approval and completion of all required documentation at the sole discretion of the financing provider.
This information is subject to change without notice.

23

Services To Support Setup and Operation

Strengthen your budget with certified pre-owned instruments.
Certified Pre-Owned Instruments deliver performance, reliability, and value to yourlab. Used instruments undergo comprehensive refurbishment, testing, and comewith a one-year warranty – equivalent to a new instrument. Included are factory
updates, consumable parts, start-up kits, and cosmetic refreshment to ensure
Agilent quality and performance at a remarkably attractive price. Gain access toinnovation at an attractive price with refurbished instruments.
More information

Reduce the cost of the latest technology through instrument buy-backAgilent also offers trade-in and buyback opportunities on lab assets, allowing you
to turn underutilized assets into income. We handle the removal of used instruments
at no cost, unlocking the value and simultaneously supporting your sustainability
targets on waste reduction, proper disposal of used instrumentation, and support
the “end of life” of your lab instrumentation.
More information

24Services To Support Setup and Operation

Software solutions
If you want to make the most of your analytical instrumentation – Agilent offers
data systems for instrument control and data analysis, laboratory informatics andautomation software, data and workflow management, and other lab software
packages to enhance data visualization and mining.
Commitment to open data is at the heart of delivering solutions your analyticalchallenges and business demands. Data has to be in the right place at the righttime for critical decisions to be made. In an environment of multiple data streams
and processes, you need a seamless integration of analytical equipment andinformatics. Agilent’s commitment to an Instrument Control Framework means
you can easily bring our equipment into your existing systems, or you can explore
our own tailored solutions.

Product service and maintenance
When production or your analysis is time critical – you need to know you can trust
your equipment. Enable your team to reduce downtime, produce accurate, reliable
data, and comply with industry regulations through flexible service and maintenanceplans tailored to your specific needs.
Selected service plans also cover preventive maintenance, which is proven to lower
repair costs and save days of downtime each year. Options for remote diagnostics
can help identify and troubleshoot issues before they become critical. Support andmaintenance for both Agilent and non-Agilent equipment is available too.

The Agilent OpenLab Software portfolio is an integrated suite of products that
includes sample management, data acquisition, data analysis, data management,lab workflow management. These products easily integrate to work together tocover the analytical workflow from the moment the analytical request is generated
until the data are archived. OpenLab software improves lab throughput and thequality of your results and will be an integral part of your data integrity strategy.

Instrument Service

Agilent SLIMS workflow management is a solution for streamlining and organizing
lab operations. It offers a range of features, including sample tracking, experimentmanagement, and automated result reporting. With an intuitive interface and flexible
options, Agilent SLIMS can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your laboratory,
regardless of its size, complexity, or quality system.

Vacuum and Leak Detection Service

OpenLab Suite Data management
SLIMS

25

Services To Support Setup and Operation

Analytical method development and application consulting
Method consulting services
Improve the economics of your testing with the optimum methods and protocols
to meet your needs. Small changes can have big impacts. Our teams can harness
their insights to create methods, or help you maintain the performance of yourcurrent methods. They can also move methods from another instrument or site,even across the world, as part of your local installation and verification, to get you
productive immediately.
Method consulting services

Quality system services
Verification services provide documented evidence of optimal instrument
performance, ensuring you meet your quality system needs. Agilent CrossLab
Verification Services delivers cost-effective proof of verification for a range ofanalytical instruments. Verification includes factory-recommended testing ofyour Agilent systems and provides documented evidence of optimal instrument
performance. Metrology-based testing confirms the accuracy and verificationof critical instrument functions.
Verification services

Analyst training and support
Development and education are critical to building a team who can meet
today’s demands and prepare for future challenges. Agilent training helps build
confident teams through learning the essentials of new techniques and real-world
applications with advanced methodologies. You can improve lab operations andminimize downtime with courses covering troubleshooting, maintenance, andsample preparation. Courses on operating software for chromatography, mass
spectrometry, and spectroscopy are also available.

CrossLab Connect
Optimizing lab performance is easier with a partner who is competent in lab
operations, allowing laboratories to focus on science. In the digital lab era,such partnerships afford a level of unprecedented visibility and asset control,
while reducing cost and increasing sustainability. Agilent CrossLab Connect is thedigital backbone of a comprehensive asset performance management program
for the lab.
By combining aspects of asset management, data analytics and industry expertise,
CrossLab Connect allows you to view your entire lab at once. A suite of digital tools,
tailored specific for your laboratory, gives critical information, allowing you to meetyour analytical commitments efficiently, effectively, and sustainably.
Asset Performance Management
CrossLab Connect

Education services

26

Select Agilent Products for
the Lithium Battery Industry

5800 ICP-OES

7850 ICP-MS

Cary 630 FTIR

Cary 60 UV-Vis

Vacuum pumps andleak detection systems

Revident LC/Q-TOF and
1290 Infinity II HPLC

990 Micro GC

5977C GC/MSD and 8860 GC

27

Sustainability and Commitment
to the Environment

The environmental promise of electric vehicles drives the actions and outcomes for manufacturers.
Remanufacturing, cell recycling, and facility environmental and health and safety management are a few ways
your environmental and sustainability values are represented daily.
At Agilent, we share those values. We consistently address sustainability issues and report on our progress.
We are now expanding those efforts by committing to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, with interim
targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Our net-zero commitment includes the products that we make,how we work with customers and suppliers, how we manage our internal operations, and being accountable
for achieving our goals.
Many of our efforts are designed specifically to allow our customers to meet their own sustainability goals
without compromising business commitments. These efforts include:

Our goal is to embed sustainability into
all aspects of our job all day and every day
through people, products, and processes

Lower CO2
emission

Reduce waste
and maximize
recycled quota

Limit H2O
consumption– Increasing the number of instruments that have earned the My Green Lab Accountability, Consistency, andTransparency (ACT) label– Adding “How2Recycle” labeling to product packaging– Achieving My Green Lab certification for Agilent customer demonstration labs
– Introducing the HydroInert source for GC/MS, which runs on renewable hydrogen as the carrier gas in placeof nonrenewable helium– Offering asset performance management software that can reduce lab energy use.

Optimizeenergyconsumption

Sustainableproduct
designLearn more about Agilent’s approach to ESG

28

Sustainability and Commitment to the Environment

Through our partnership with MyGreenLab—a nonprofit organization dedicated tobuilding a global culture of sustainability in science—we have third-party guidance andverification processes for implementing sustainable strategies into everyday testing
and research; instruments, workflows, even entire laboratories can be certified.
These sponsorships and certifications build upon Agilent’s ongoing partnershipwith My Green Lab, which includes achieving My Green Lab’s ACT labels.
These labels provide consumers with third-party verified information on theenvironmental impact of Agilent products and services—making it easier for labs
to make sustainable choices.
ACT labeled products29

Learn more:
www.agilent.com/en/solutions/materials-testingresearch/battery-testing
Buy online:
www.agilent.com/chem/store
Get answers to your technical questions andaccess resources in the Agilent Community:community.agilent.com
Request more information
explore.agilent.com/materials-testing-research
Speak to an expert
www.agilent.com/en/contact-us/page

DE99519736
This information is subject to change without notice.
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2023
Published in the USA, November 30, 2023
5994-6848EN