In the case of battery technology where progress is achieved through innovation that makes energy a viable alternative, one must understand all the facts of material analysis to succeed. From explaining the subtleties of battery powder to the electrode resistance happening at a cell level, each aspect of material testing contributes to the understanding of the potential of lithium-ion batteries. Let us together go on this blog as we learn and understand the field of  Battery characterization and its significance in improving battery performance for R&D and battery production.

Testing the Core – Battery Powder Analysis

The main component that makes up every lithium-ion battery is a mixture of complex materials, the powder of the battery being the core of it all. Powder analysis is focused on identifying the most critical parameters of compaction density and resistivity to understand the inner workings that govern battery performance.

• Powder Compaction Density: The density is a physical property, that is determined by particle size and distribution and is an important information that makes it possible to study the battery powder’s packing performance. They may spot the importance of the compaction density performers, and with that even small variations from the same batches to the other ones will be detectable, to get close control over the battery performance.
• Powder Resistivity: As one of the complex features, ionic and electronic resistance form powder resistivity. The ionic conductivity, in turn, stands for the abundant flow of lithium ions within the electrolyte and pores of electrodes, and electronic resistivity defines the capacity of active materials and current collectors for conductivity. Reliable evaluation of powder resistivity is a necessity for the battery's performance and for the energy current flow to be efficient.

Systems for Battery Powder Analysis: Enhancing Efficiency

With our advanced set of systems, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of researchers and manufacturers, the depth of investigating the properties of battery powders increases tremendously.

• Battery Powder Resistivity & Compaction Density Measurement System
  
  MSE Supplies is now taking the battery industry to the next level with its Battery Powder Resistivity & Compaction Density Measurement System, which has brought a new dimension in accurate measurement. The system integrates two essential components: a compaction system for density measurement and a resistivity measurement system. The compaction density measurement system has a pressure range of up to 350MPa and comes in the shape of the setting and thickness measurement modules. It presents an array of operational modes, which are: single point, variable pressure, pressurization, and pressure relief. By employing this system the sample grains are subjected to complete and homogeneous compaction. The density of the powders is therefore accurately characterized in this way. Combined with the ability of the measurement resistance ranging up to 1200 MΩ, the solution gives a complete picture of battery powder characterization. These attributes form the basis for the determination of the performance of lithium-ion batteries resulting in the best battery quality.

• Testing Mold For Battery Powder Compaction Density
  
  Designed with the efficiency of the battery industry in mind, our Specialized Compaction Density Test Mold has the capabilities to solve some of the critical problems associated with conventional powder compaction density testing. We are aiming at increasing accuracy and stability by making the mold more durable and precise, being able to achieve the best quality results for hard-to-process materials. Its strong wear-resistance design and the demolding system facilitating more complete and accurate testing improve the efficiency of battery cell compaction density testing; all these features set a new high level and standard for lithium-ion battery manufacturing.

Checking the Performance – Electrode Analysis

The electrodes in lithium-ion batteries are the key elements to performance, affecting critical parameters like power, capacity and reliability. Electrode analysis has crucial information about resistance and microstructural distribution and offers components for better battery performance.

• Electrode Resistance: The flow rate through the electrode or conductivity rate of the battery is regarded as a crucial factor in the initial performance of batteries. It functions as an essential index of power, capacity, dependability, and safety, which all play a key role in the manufacturers monitoring and improving their products. The correct measurement of electrode resistance and assessment of the properties being provided allows manufacturers to acquire a profound knowledge about the manufacturing process and so to ensure informed decision-making and continue the improvement.

In composite electrodes, the electric conductivity is predominantly determined by several factors featuring a variety of charge carriers that include interfacial resistance between the coating layer and conductive foil, distributions of conductive agents, intrinsic resistance of active materials, and contact areas between particles. It is crucial to maximize these factors to optimize battery performance and production consistency.

System for Electrode Analysis – Optimization

1. Battery Electrode Resistivity Analyzer

MSE Supplies presents Battery Electrode Resistivity Analyzer – a truly versatile tool for R&D and mass production with a variety of applications in battery research. The high level of precision and efficiency of the new analyzer become an irreplaceable tool for users, as it lets them optimize the parameters for mixing, coating, and calendering processes with the electrode formulation using this type of analyzer.

Decoding Real-Time Behavior –
Cell Analysis (In-Situ Method)

Cell analysis through in-situ methods offers invaluable insights into the dynamic behaviors of lithium-ion batteries, shedding light on critical aspects such as swelling and gassing. By monitoring these phenomena in real time, researchers and manufacturers can optimize battery design and production processes, ultimately enhancing battery performance and reliability.

• Swelling Behavior: During charging and discharging, lithium-ion batteries undergo expansion and contraction due to the insertion and extraction of lithium ions in the negative electrode. However, irreversible swelling can occur, leading to cell deformation, material fragmentation, SEI film rupture, and electrolyte consumption. Evaluating swelling behavior is crucial for assessing battery reliability and optimizing cell module design for enhanced safety and space utilization.
• Gassing Behavior: Gas production is inherent in the manufacturing and operation of lithium-ion batteries, occurring during formation, overcharging, and long-term storage or cycling.  Monitoring in-situ gassing behavior enables early detection of safety issues and optimization of production efficiency and reliability.
  
  
• Formation Gas Production: During the formation process of lithium-ion batteries, a significant volume of gas is generated due to chemical reactions involving the cell's components, including anode and cathode materials, electrolyte constituents, and specific formation conditions such as current, voltage, temperature, and pressure. Efficiently shortening the formation cycle can enhance production efficiency while mitigating excessive gas accumulation.
• Gas Production During Overcharge: Overcharging lithium-ion batteries triggers detrimental side reactions that lead to substantial gas generation. This increase in gas volume rapidly elevates internal pressure, heightening the risk of thermal runaway and potential battery failure. Addressing this issue is paramount for ensuring battery safety during actual use.
• Gas Production During Storage or Cycle: Extended storage or cycling of lithium-ion batteries induces side reactions that result in gas production, particularly under elevated temperatures. This phenomenon poses a critical reliability concern, emphasizing the importance of monitoring gas production to prevent performance degradation and safety hazards.

Systems for In-Situ Cell Behavior Analysis: Real-Time Monitoring

1. In-Situ Cell Swelling Analyzer 

Our analyzer, equipped with high-precision sensors, enables real-time measurement of cell thickness and swelling force. By evaluating swelling behavior under various conditions, researchers gain insights into battery performance and production processes, facilitating the design of cells with enhanced reliability and performance.

2. Pouch Cell In-Situ Gas Volume Analyzer

Our gas volume analyzer employs high-accuracy monitoring systems to measure in-situ volume changes during charge-discharge cycles. It enables real-time monitoring of gas production, aiding in efficiency improvement, cost reduction, and cell design optimization.

Traditional Testing vs. Our Testing (Ex-Situ vs. In-Situ)

Traditional Testing (Ex-Situ Methods)

The conventional approach to testing battery gassing behavior conducted ex-situ, relies on methods such as displacement volume measurement and internal pressure measurement. While these methods have been widely used, they exhibit several limitations:

• Single Point Measuring: Ex-situ methods typically provide only partial data on volume change and gassing rate, limiting the understanding of dynamic processes within the cell.
• Non-In-Situ Measuring: Measurements taken outside of the cell environment are susceptible to external interference during the transfer-measurement process, compromising data accuracy.
• Weighed by General Balance: Ex-situ measurements often rely on general balance systems, which lack the capability for online, long-term, stable, and high-accuracy measurements, hindering comprehensive analysis.
• High Waste of Cells: Ex-situ testing methodologies may involve the sacrifice of cells for analysis, leading to a waste of resources and an inability to account for variations in cell consistency.
• Internal Pressure Measurement: While internal pressure measurement offers insights into cell behavior, its application is limited to prismatic cells and requires specialized cell samples, resulting in complexity and high costs.

Our Testing (In-Situ Methods)

In contrast, our in-situ testing system revolutionizes the analysis of battery gassing behavior by offering continuous monitoring with enhanced stability and accuracy. Leveraging advanced technologies such as high-precision ADC data acquisition modules and multi-functional in-situ gas volume monitoring software (MISG), our system provides several advantages:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Our system enables real-time monitoring of volume changes during the charge-discharge process, offering immediate insights into battery behavior.
• Online Presentation: The multi-functional MISG software facilitates the online presentation of battery swelling and shrinkage levels, allowing for timely intervention and optimization.
• Enhanced Stability: By operating within the cell environment, our in-situ testing system minimizes external interference, ensuring stable and reliable measurements.
• Comprehensive Analysis: Continuous monitoring and precise measurement capabilities enable comprehensive analysis of gassing behavior, leading to improved understanding and control of battery performance.

Ensuring Consistency – Battery Slurry Analysis

Battery slurry – a critical intermediate product of lithium-ion battery production – is responsible for establishing the finished battery cell's homogeneous distribution and superior electrochemical performance. At MSE Supplies we supply state-of-the-art methods of performance evaluation of the slurry helping researchers and manufacturers to get the most efficient production cycles and to create batteries of very high quality.

• Slurry Uniformity and Stability: Such lithium-ion Batteries are optimized to achieve and sustain electrochemically consistent behavior. Differences in slurry formulation, type of conductive agent, quantity of dispersant and gel sedimentation intensity can greatly affect the quality of a battery generated. Continuous monitoring is the fundamental element, upon which all further operations depend. Overlooking the process and quality issues might be very expensive.

System for Battery Slurry Analysis: Ensuring Precision

1. Battery Slurry Resistivity Analyzer

Our analyzer is a game changer for slurry analysis due to the high level of detail and consideration we have offered during the process. Unlike the standard analyzers which probe for the slurry that is only viscosity-related parameters, our system delivers the accurate diagnoses formulation of slurry, the conductivity of the electrolytic agent, the content of dispersant, gel sedimentation and so on. Resistivity is the way of measuring slurry and the stability of the process can be monitored and early warning of abnormality can help prevent production delays and to save money due to defective materials.

Battery material testing has emphasized the significance of precision and innovation in driving advancements within the industry. At MSE Supplies, a leading laboratory equipment supplier, we are committed to enhancing understanding through comprehensive analysis and empowering researchers and manufacturers with cutting-edge equipment. By partnering with us, you gain access to state-of-the-art solutions that propel you toward excellence in lithium-ion battery technology.

Ready to elevate your battery research and production processes? Contact MSE Supplies, your trusted scientific supply and equipment, today to discover how our advanced equipment can accelerate your projects and drive innovation in battery technology. Let's collaborate to unlock new possibilities and propel your success forward.