Analysis of Li-ion battery separators

This presentation introduces the composition analysis of cathode active materials using ICP emission analysis. The cathode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) is one of the important components that influence the battery's voltage and energy density, and the composition of the cathode material significantly affects the battery's performance. ICP emission analysis allows for qualitative and quantitative analysis of approximately 70 elements, primarily metal elements. It can be applied not only to the composition analysis of LIB cathode materials but also to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of additives and impurities contained in samples, as well as the quantitative analysis of substances regulated by the RoHS directive, among various other analyses.

An example of evaluating the maximum pore diameter and pore size distribution of non-woven fabric sheets using the bubble point method is presented. The sample is immersed in a chemical solution and air pressure is applied. The pressure is increased until it overcomes the surface tension of the chemical solution absorbed in the sheet, at which point the appearance of bubbles occurs; this pressure is referred to as the bubble point. The maximum pore diameter can be calculated based on the bubble point pressure and the surface tension of the chemical solution.