Sample Preparation and Analysis of Materials used in Lithium Ion Battery Production Using Sequential Microwave Digestion

Introduction

Li-ion batteries are one in the long line of energy sources humans have used for transport machinery. Sources such as coal, biomass, and oil have been the predominant materials used in fueling transport, starting from the 18th century. With constant pushes towards greener energy sources and lower carbon emissions in the United States and internationally, many auto manufacturers are beginning to put more time and research into electric and hybrid vehicles using Li-ion batteries. Electric and hybrid cars are a worldwide phenomenon with more that 40 million electric vehicles sold since 2012. The demand for these vehicles as well as other consumer electronics such as laptops, cell phones, tablets, and power tools has never been higher. As the demand for electronic goods and greener vehicles goes up, production and scale for Li-ion batteries must also increase.

In addition to lithium, many other minerals such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and manganese (Mn) are facing higher demand for ever changing anode and cathode formulations. The challenge is not only to be able to mine these elements to meet demand, but also refining these sources to provide the highest purity materials possible. Constant research and development on different anode and cathode materials also requires full knowledge of the elemental composition. In the move towards sustainability, finding and implementing ways to recycle batteries is on the horizon as well; burgeoning techniques include the upcycling or rejuvenating of cathodes. With ever growing demand and changes in R&D, the ability to quantify materials in the low and sub ppb range will be critical as this industry looks towards the next generation of batteries.