Lithium-Ion Battery Analytical Solutions

Lithium-Ion Battery Analytical Solutions

Moisture and Electrolyte Component Control for LIB Manufacturing

Precise control of moisture and electrolyte composition is critical in lithium-ion battery (LIB) manufacturing. Trace water contamination and electrolyte degradation directly impact cell performance, cycle life, and safety.

JM Science provides analytical solutions for:

  • Electrolyte moisture determination

  • Cathode and anode water content

  • Hydrofluoric acid (HF) monitoring

  • Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) analysis

  • Lithium sulfide (Li₂S) determination

  • 1️⃣ Trace Water in Electrolytes

    (Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration)

    Electrolytes used in LIB production typically contain carbonate solvents and lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆). Moisture levels in the ppm range can lead to hydrolysis and HF formation.

    Using the HIRANUMA MOICO-A19 / AQ series Coulometric Karl Fischer titrators, water content can be determined at trace levels.

    Key advantages:

    • ppm-level detection

    • Compatibility with ketone-containing additives using specialized KF reagents

    • High repeatability (low SD and RSD)


    Controlling electrolyte moisture helps minimize LiPF₆ degradation and downstream HF formation.

  • 2️⃣ Water in Cathode Materials

    Water in cathode powders (e.g., lithium cobaltate) must be tightly controlled.

    Two analytical approaches are available:

    Direct Titration Method

    Provides reliable ppm-level measurement

    350°C Evaporation Capability

    The HIRANUMA evaporator supports heating up to 350°C

    enabling:

    • Analysis of thermally stable inorganic powders

    • Reduced residue accumulation

    • Improved correlation with direct titration results

    Higher heating capability expands material compatibility beyond conventional 300°C systems.

     

    3️⃣ Water in Anode Materials

    Carbon-based anode materials (dried and undried) can be analyzed using the heating vaporization method.

    Typical results demonstrate:

    • Consistent ppm-level precision

      Clear differentiation between dried and undried materials

    This ensures proper drying control before cell assembly.

    4️⃣ Electrolyte Component Analysis

    (Potentiometric Titration – COM-28 / COM-A19)

    Beyond moisture control, electrolyte composition must be monitored.

    The HIRANUMA automatic titrator supports:

    HF Monitoring and Degradation Control

    Hydrofluoric acid concentration tends to increase during repeated exposure to atmospheric moisture due to LiPF₆ decomposition

    Rapid titration after sampling and controlled sample handling are recommended to ensure accurate HF quantification.

    Lithium Hydroxide & Lithium Carbonate Determination

    Dual endpoint analysis using HCl standard solution


    Automatic calculation of LiOH and Li₂CO₃ concentrations.

    Lithium Sulfide (Li₂S) Analysis

    Precipitation titration using silver nitrate standard solution

    Upgradeable configuration for expanded functionality.

    Why JM Science for Battery Applications?

    • Installed base in LIB manufacturing facilities

    • Experience with electrolyte and powder analysis

    • Solutions for both moisture and compositional control

    • Technical consultation for method implementation

    • Installed in U.S. LIB Manufacturing Facilities

      JM Science instrumentation has been installed in lithium-ion battery production environments in North America, including including Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (Sparks, Nevada), supporting electrolyte moisture control and analytical quality assurance workflows.

      Our experience with large-scale LIB production facilities enables us to understand:

      • Electrolyte moisture control challenges

      • LiPF₆ hydrolysis and HF formation concerns

      • Powder material moisture variability

      • The need for rapid, repeatable QC measurements

    Discuss Your Battery QC Workflow

    If your laboratory is involved in lithium-ion battery research or manufacturing, contact JM Science to discuss moisture and electrolyte component analysis solutions tailored to your process.