6 minute read
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.
Discovering Defects During the Manufacturing Process
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.
Manufacturing the High-Quality Lithium Batteries of the Future
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/
LATEST TECHNOLOGIES FOR LATEST TECHNOLOGIES FOR RESEARCH & PRODUCTION ADVANCED MATERIALS RESEARCH ADVANCED MATERIALS RESEARCH Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution Analysis
BOOK A DEMO TODAY! BOOK A DEMO TODAY! Market-leading laser diffraction particle size analyser (10nm to 3.5mm) to consistently deliver the accurate and reliable data for both wet and dry sample Highly accurate and automated surface tension, contact angle and Highly accurate and automated surface tension, contact angle and analysis. Intuitive software with built-in expertise that informs critical decision3D surface roughness 3D surface roughness making throughout battery R&D and manufacturing processes.
MALVERN MASTERSIZER 3000
Suitable for demanding surface research. Premium contact angle meter is fully Suitable for demanding surface research. Premium contact angle meter is fully automated from droplet creation to placement and sample movement. automated from droplet creation to placement and sample movement. DropletPlus technology and autofocus plus environmental sensors maximise DropletPlus technology and autofocus plus environmental sensors maximise Particle Size, Charge and Concentration Using Multi-Angle Dynamic image quality. image quality. Light Scattering (MADLS®)
ATTENSION THETA FLOW ATTENSION THETA FLOW
MALVERN ZETASIZER ULTRA
The most advanced light scattering system, delivers enhanced resolution, speed Particle and molecular size using multi-angle dynamic light Particle and molecular size using multi-angle dynamic light and ease-of-use for the measurement of particle and molecular size, particle scattering (MADLS®) scattering (MADLS®)charge and calibration-free particle concentration.
The most advanced light scattering system, delivers enhanced resolution, speed The most advanced light scattering system, delivers enhanced resolution, speed and ease-of-use for the measurement of particle and molecular size, particle and ease-of-use for the measurement of particle and molecular size, particle charge and calibration-free particle concentration.charge and calibration-free particle concentration. Accurate Pore Structure Determination
MALVERN ZETASIZER ULTRA MALVERN ZETASIZER ULTRA
MICROMERITICS AUTOPORE
Besides offering speed, accuracy, and a wide measurement range, mercury porosimetry
High Throughput Surface Area and Porosity Analyser High Throughput Surface Area and Porosity Analyser
determines pore size distribution, total pore An automated, three-station, BET surface area and porosity analyser that An automated, three-station, BET surface area and porosity analyser that volume, total pore surface area, median pore delivers excellent repeatability and speed of analysis . Krypton option, allows measurements in the very low surface area range, as low as 0.001 m2/g. delivers excellent repeatability and speed of analysis . Krypton option, allows measurements in the very low surface area range, as low as 0.001 m2/g. diameter and sample densities.
MICROMERITICS TRISTAR II MICROMERITICS TRISTAR II
Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution Analysis Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution AnalysisAn automated, three-station, BET surface area Li-ion Battery Component Optimisation Market-leading laser diffraction particle size analyser (10nm to 3.5mm) to Market-leading laser diffraction particle size analyser (10nm to 3.5mm) to and porosity analyser that delivers excellent repeatability and speed of analysis of consistently deliver the accurate and reliable data for both wet and dry sample consistently deliver the accurate and reliable data for both wet and dry sample battery components to improve storage capacity and energy generation. analysis. Intuitive software with built-in expertise informs critical decision-making analysis. Intuitive software with built-in expertise informs critical decision-making throughout R&D and manufacturing processes. throughout R&D and manufacturing processes.
MALVERN MASTERSIZER 3000 MALVERN MASTERSIZER 3000 High Resolution SEM Imaging with Elemental Mapping
PHENOM XL DESKTOP SEM PHENOM XL DESKTOP SEMPHENOM XL DESKTOP SEM
High Resolution SEM Imaging with Elemental Mapping High Resolution SEM Imaging with Elemental Mapping
Fully integrated desktop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) provides an Fully integrated desktop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) provides an Fully integrated desktop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) provides an easy-to-use interface with full-screen images in <40sec from sample loading. easy-to-use interface with full-screen images in <40sec from sample loading. Ideal for large samples up to 100mm x 100mm. Live element ID using integrated X-Ray (EDS) detector. Perception software pre-configured for easy-to-use interface with full-screen images in <40sec from sample loading. Ideal for large samples up to 100mm x 100mm. Live element ID using integrated X-Ray (EDS) detector. Perception software pre-configured for Ideal for large samples up to 100mm x 100mm. Live element ID using integrated X-Ray (EDS) detector. Perception software pre-configured for additive manufacturing, steel/technical cleanliness applications and more. additive manufacturing, steel/technical cleanliness applications and more. additive manufacturing, steel/technical cleanliness applications and more.
