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We spoke with Agilent Technology’s Ross Ashdown on how lithium-ion batteries are tested, associated advances, and concerns in the testing industry.
Key Takeaways
- Advanced tools like ICP-OES are essential for testing raw battery materials. They easily spot tiny impurities in components like anodes and cathodes. Catching these flaws early prevents dangerous failures like thermal runaway.
- The battery testing industry now relies on AI and real-time diagnostics like EIS. These technologies predict potential failures before they happen. They also help extend overall battery lifespans.
- End-of-life testing decides a battery’s future. State-of-Health (SOH) checks see if an old EV battery can be reused for stationary power. If not, rigorous chemical testing guides the recycling process to safely recover raw materials.
- Global environmental regulations are forcing testing methods to adapt. Future innovations like solid-state and lithium-air batteries require highly sensitive testing to guarantee their safety and performance.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved in lithium-ion battery testing?
My role involves testing the input materials that go into the batteries, and primarily, I have used atomic spectroscopy for the elemental analysis. This work started in the early 1990s when I worked in a government-funded analytical chemistry lab. I conducted a lot of atomic spectroscopy on processed mineral samples. On reflection, these were mineral samples from the upstream part of the battery value chain, so I stumbled into chemical analysis for battery testing rather than having a specific intention. The test results I obtained included major and impurity level elemental analysis, and this data was used to calculate the efficiency of float circuits and refineries. I found this very interesting and very meaningful work.
I now work with an ICP-OES group at Agilent Technologies. Agilent Technologies is an atomic spectrometer manufacturer, producing spectrometers that are fast, use less electricity and gas than predecessor instruments, and have more automation to make elemental analysis simple and more accessible to a broader range of labs. Recently, the ICP-OES has been required across the secondary battery value chain. ICP-OES is now necessary to test battery components, including an anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. Also, cell degradation investigations and recycling.
Q: What sparked your interest in battery technologies, and how has your experience shaped your approach to testing and analysis?
I have digested many media articles about global warming, and the increasing frequency of destructive weather events because of global warming, and it is of great concern to me. As a scientist, I believe science can help fix problems, but I am cognizant of my small role within the grand scheme. A problem of this magnitude requires government and industry support. I have been encouraged by many international governments to incentivize green energy production in the form of hydro, solar, and wind power.
In Australia, there are also government incentives for the installation of roof-top solar panels, and many Australian families and businesses have embraced this opportunity. Changing the production mode for general electricity supply is a great start, but some experts also say that changing the fuel used in personal and mass transportation would be a major contributor to reducing CO2 production. Many non-fossil fuel ‘power trains’ for transportation are being considered, but electricity from battery power has been in the market for many years now and is being embraced by consumers.
Chemical analysis is critical for battery production. The purity of the chemicals used in battery production impacts safety, energy density, and longevity. Over the years, I have seen the need for more sensitive analytical instruments to determine lower and lower levels of impurities in batteries. This is all done to ensure maximum safety for users of electrically powered transportation.
Q: Could you explain the key challenges in testing lithium-ion batteries today?
Lithium-ion battery testing presents several challenges, such as managing the time and expense required, maintaining safety to avoid overheating or explosions, and producing consistent and accurate findings despite material variances. The complexity is further increased by precisely analyzing performance parameters, like capacity and degradation, and considering humidity and temperature. Advanced testing methods are essential to address these issues effectively.
Q: What are the most critical parameters to monitor when testing the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries?
When testing lithium-ion batteries, monitoring battery voltage, operating current, internal resistance, and ambient temperature is crucial. These parameters help ensure the battery’s performance and safety by detecting potential issues like thermal runaway and capacity degradation.
Q: Walk us through the different stages of lithium-ion battery testing, from initial development to end-of-life.
Testing for lithium-ion batteries is highly varied and includes several stages. Each stage ensures the battery’s reliability and sustainability throughout its lifespan:
- Initial development involves chemical analysis and particle characterization to develop cell formulations with desired performance attributes. Prototype cells are produced and tested for basic electrical performance and safety.
- Validation and certification testing are performed to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Life cycle testing involves assessing long-term performance and degradation.
- End-of-life testing for evaluating for second life, recycling, and disposal processes. Electrical testing will indicate if an EV Lithium-Ion battery has a possible second life as an energy storage solution. It will also show if the battery is spent and needs to go through a comprehensive recycling process, where the battery is broken down into basic starting materials.
Q: How do you ensure that battery testing methodologies keep pace with the rapid advances in battery technology?
Agilent ensures its battery testing methodologies keep pace with advancements by partnering with companies across the lithium-ion battery value chain, providing cutting-edge equipment, training, and technical consultation. They also continuously develop and refine analytical instruments to study new materials and chemistries, enhancing battery performance, lifespan, and safety.
Q: What are some key testing protocols in place to prevent thermal runaway or other failure modes?
To prevent thermal runaway and other failure modes in lithium-ion batteries, key testing protocols include thermal management systems to monitor and control temperature, battery management systems (BMS) to oversee voltage and current, and abuse testing, such as overcharging, short-circuit, and crush tests. These protocols help identify and mitigate risks, ensuring battery safety and reliability.
Q: Any emerging technologies or innovations in testing equipment that have significantly improved the efficiency of lithium-ion battery tests?
Emerging technologies like electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and coulombic efficiency testing have significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of lithium-ion battery tests. EIS allows for real-time battery health monitoring, while advancements in coulombic efficiency testing help predict long-term performance and degradation patterns. These innovations enable more precise and predictive assessments, enhancing battery reliability and safety.
Q: Your thoughts on the use of AI in optimizing battery testing and predicting potential failures?
AI and machine learning significantly enhance battery testing by enabling predictive maintenance and health monitoring. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to predict potential failures and optimize BMS, improving accuracy in state-of-charge and state-of-health estimations. This leads to more efficient testing protocols and extended battery lifespans.
Q: With global regulations becoming stricter, how do you see the role of testing evolving to meet environmental and safety standards?
As global regulations tighten, the role of testing will evolve to include more rigorous environmental and safety assessments. This will involve advanced technologies for detecting contaminants and ensuring compliance with stricter standards, ultimately leading to safer, more sustainable products. Enhanced testing protocols will also support the development of eco-friendly materials and processes, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Q: What trends do you foresee shaping the future of lithium-ion battery testing, particularly in energy storage systems or consumer electronics?
Future trends in lithium-ion battery testing will focus on advanced diagnostic tools like AI-driven predictive analytics and real-time monitoring systems. Additionally, there will be a push towards sustainability, emphasizing recycling and lifecycle assessments to meet stricter environmental regulations. These advancements will enhance battery performance, safety, and environmental compliance in energy storage systems and consumer electronics.
Q: How does testing for recycling and second-life applications differ from testing for new lithium-ion batteries?
Electrical testing for recycling and second-life applications focuses on assessing the state-of-health (SOH) and remaining capacity of used batteries, rather than initial performance metrics. This involves evaluating degradation, safety, and suitability for less demanding second-life applications, such as stationary energy storage, whereas new battery testing emphasizes initial performance, safety, and compliance with manufacturing standards.
If electrical testing shows no suitability for second-life applications, the battery will be recycled for use in new battery manufacturing. The recycling will include shredding, sieving, extraction, and purifying to make new components for battery manufacturing. Each step of battery recycling will need further testing for chemical analysis and particle characterization.
Q: What advice would you give to companies looking to improve their lithium-ion battery testing protocols?
Companies looking to improve their lithium-ion battery testing protocols should invest in advanced diagnostic tools, like electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and AI-driven predictive analytics. Additionally, they should prioritize rigorous safety and environmental assessments to comply with evolving regulations and ensure long-term battery performance and sustainability. Higher sensitivity
instruments are needed for electrical testing, particle characterization, and chemical analysis to assist battery manufacturers in meeting requirements. Agilent’s cutting-edge solutions can help achieve these goals, enhancing both accuracy and efficiency in testing.
Q: What excites you the most about the future of lithium-ion battery technologies, and how do you see testing contributing to that future?
A: The future of lithium-ion battery technologies is exciting due to advances like solid-state batteries and new chemistries such as lithium-sulfur and lithium-air. These innovations promise higher energy densities and safer batteries. Testing will play a crucial role by ensuring these new technologies meet performance and safety standards, driving their successful integration into applications like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Ross Ashdown is an experienced product marketing manager with a demonstrated history of working in diverse analytical laboratories. Ross has a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.