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chemical analytics
Analytics makes battery recycling future-proof
Few other areas are developing as dynamically as the recycling of battery cells. In future the amount of lithium-ion cells in circulation will grow significantly due to the expansion of electric mobility, among other reasons. The development of efficient recycling methods is essential to ease the burden on the environment and to reduce costs for the manufacturers of battery cells. Currently a large number of different methods are in use.
The focus of our work is on analytics for recycling fractions, e.g. plastic film, metal foil, heavy material and black mass, such that you are always aware of their quality and in this way can draw conclusions as to the quality and market value of the recycling fractions. In this way we effectively support your organisation during the recovery of valuable raw materials.
Instrumental analytics for
recycling fractions
- Sample preparation
(screening, grinding and breaking down of the individual fractions) - Determination of the particle size distribution
- Determination of the material composition/concentration, e.g. lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper or aluminium
- Identification of plastics and their proportions
- Determination of the VOC content
- Determination of the water/dry content
- Electrolyte analysis
- Identification of solvents
Technical equipment in the chemical laboratory
The right inspection method
for every task
X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF)
XRF is a powerful, non-destructive technique for recycling lithium-ion battery cells. It permits the rapid identification and quantification of metals such as cobalt, nickel and manganese, aids their cost-effective recovery and makes it easier to differentiate between battery types and electrode materials. In addition, after recycling, XRF checks the purity of the raw materials recovered.
Optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES)
ICP-OES can be used to analyse the chemical composition of lithium-ion batteries with high accuracy. This technique can be used to determine precisely the cobalt, nickel and manganese content in electrode materials and thus contributes to the optimised recovery of valuable metals. In addition, ICP-OES plays a crucial role during quality assurance by verifying the purity of recycled raw materials.
Gas chromatography (GC-MS & GC-FID)
The combination of gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) is a highly efficient method for analyzing organic compounds in lithium-ion batteries. It permits the detailed analysis of electrolyte constituents, additives and decomposition products; this method also aids the evaluation of the condition of batteries and identification of potential harmful substances. This technique also plays an important role in controlling the quality of the recycling process by detecting impurities in electrolytes or solvents recovered.
Gas chromatography (Headspace GC)
Gas chromatography with headspace technology (headspace GC) is particularly suitable for analyzing volatile organic compounds in lithium-ion batteries. Electrolyte constituents, solvents and decomposition products can be efficiently identified and quantified without time-consuming sample preparation. In the recycling process, this method supports the monitoring of residues, the detection of potential harmful substances and the assurance of the quality of the materials recovered.
Ion chromatography (IC)
IC is a highly sensitive analytical technique for identifying inorganic ions and lithium salts in lithium-ion batteries. It provides precise information about electrolyte constituents, decomposition products and impurities, which aids both the assessment of the condition of batteries and the optimisation of recycling processes. IC also ensures dependable quality control by verifying the purity of the electrolyte components recovered.
Thermogravimetry (TGA)
TGA permits detailed analysis of the thermal stability and composition of lithium-ion batteries. It precisely determines the proportion of organic and inorganic components, analyses electrolyte losses and detects decomposition processes. In the recycling process, TGA contributes to the evaluation of residues and the optimization of thermal treatment processes.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
DSC is an effective technique for analyzing the thermal characteristics of lithium-ion batteries. It permits the determination of the melting, glass transition and decomposition temperatures; DSC also provides information about the behaviour of electrolytes, binders and electrode materials. In the recycling process, it is used for assessing safety, optimising materials and assuring the quality of the raw materials recovered.
Karl-Fischer-Titration (KFT)
KFT is a highly sensitive method for determining the water content in lithium-ion batteries. It enables precise analysis of electrolytes, active materials and recycled raw materials, making it possible to control moisture as a critical factor for battery performance and stability. The use of this method helps to ensure the quality of the recycled materials and avoid adverse reactions.
RAMAN Spectroscopy
RAMAN spectroscopy provides valuable insights into the chemical structure and phase composition of lithium-ion batteries. It permits a detailed analysis of electrode materials, binders and electrolytes; it can also identify structural changes due to ageing or degradation. In the recycling process, this method plays a central role in quality assurance and the characterisation of the materials recovered.
FTIR Spectroscopy
FTIR spectroscopy offers a precise way of identifying organic and inorganic compounds in lithium-ion batteries. It permits the analysis of electrolytes, binders and decomposition products; it also makes chemical changes due to ageing visible. In the recycling process, FTIR is used for quality control and the characterisation of the recycled materials.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX)
SEM-EDX permits the high-resolution analysis of the microstructure and chemical composition of lithium-ion batteries. This method can be used to provide a detailed analysis of electrode materials, particle morphology and element distribution. In the recycling process, it supports the identification of impurities, quality control and the optimisation of the recovery of valuable raw materials.
Accredited test laboratory
for battery cell analytics
The Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 has accredited the following applications: Chemical and physico-chemical analytics (CHA) of plastics and elastomers to determine thermal properties and composition, identification and quantification of organic and inorganic substances, materials, residues, deposits and contaminants using FT-lR and energy dispersive (EDX) spectroscopy. Furthermore, all our other specialist areas have also been accredited.
You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:
Frequently asked questions about
battery cell analytics and recycling
How do battery cell analytics accompany the recycling process?
Battery cell analytics can be used during the entire recycling process. This application starts with the analysis of the black mass, by means of which specific conclusions can be drawn as to market value, and ranges through the control of the purity of the recycling fractions to the determination of their physical-chemical characteristics. Depending on the problem, we use different methods, such as scanning electron microscopy, Karl Fischer titration or as a non-destructive test, X-ray fluorescence analysis and many more.
What is the role of battery cell analytics in battery research?
Currently many different methods are used for recycling batteries. The challenge for battery research is, among others, to develop methods that are both economically viable as well as technically efficient and sustainable.
Battery cell analytics also make a valuable contribution here, for instance by determining the purity of the recycling fractions obtained using a specific method. In this way direct comparisons between different methods are possible.
QUALITY ANALYSIS
the right partner
for chemical analytics
What can we analyse for you?
We would be pleased to advise you about the numerous possibilities and combined analytical methods. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your material.