Assessing the Quality of Raw and Processed Battery Materials Using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM

Source: ATA Scientific Pty Ltd

With the need to improve the performance, capacity and stability of lithium batteries, the quality of the raw and processed materials used to manufacture electrodes is pivotal. Consisting mainly of lithium metal oxide, graphite, silicon, and sulfurbased particles, material quality is critical to the performance of the final battery. The ability to quickly analyse components to obtain high-resolution size and morphology data of submicron particles allows performance to be optimised while also preventing any quality control issues that may jeopardise the final battery during manufacture.

The Thermo Scientific Phenom XL Desktop SEM can generate images at 10 nanometer resolution and enables researchers to perform their own analyses in-house with very little training. When combined with the SmartScan tool, users can automatically obtain images from multiple samples to analyse size and morphology, while ParticleMetric Software can provide fully automated particle measurements to confirm the quality of raw and processed materials. With Auto-Scan script, the Phenom XL can automatically test up to 36 samples at the same time, generating more than 200 images in under 30 minutes. The script is easy to use: simply define the number of positions that require analysis, and the desired magnification levels at all the positions. Image acquisition can be done unattended overnight, dramatically reducing turnaround times while eliminating repetitive testing work and variation, common with different operators. With the ability to quickly and accurately characterise these samples in-house, users can accelerate the R&D process as they work to design safer, more powerful, and longer lasting lithium-ion batteries.

Using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM, lithium battery manufacturers can easily detect abnormal regions of cathode electrodes (left) where the area appears more porous and the cathode particles flattened and fractured.

The quality of the cathode electrode surface is also important. Any defects or contamination can cause the final lithium battery to rapidly degrade,

Using a Phenom XL Desktop SEM in combination with SmartScan and ParticleMetric Software, lithium battery manufacturers can capture size and morphology data on thousands of submicron particles in minutes. shortening its overall lifespan. By using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM together with 3D reconstruction software, manufacturers can detect the presence of defects and contaminants as well as determine their source. The fully integrated energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) capabilities of the Phenom Desktop SEM, enables elements such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese to be quickly identified, quantified and their location mapped to assess homogeneity, which is critical for the battery’s performance. Together, this information helps manufacturers to detect defects and contamination that may otherwise lead to future performance and safety issues.

Using the Phenom XL Desktop SEM, users can ensure the quality of lithium batteries at every step of the manufacturing process—from the raw materials used to the final components produced – to accelerate innovation and power our future. Reference: van Zyl, W. (2022, May 25). Improving the Quality of Lithium Batteries Using a Desktop SEM. Advancing Materials. https://www. thermofisher.com/blog/materials/lithiumbattery-manufacturing-improved-withdesktop-sem/

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