Essentials of elemental analysis in the Lithium-ion battery value chain

In the recent years, many countries are reducing the use of energy from the combustion of fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy sources. To meet the demands of several industrial sectors, efficient and cost-effective energy storage is required. Li-ion battery technology offers these characteristics and has been employed in consumer, industrial, and military devices, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles. However, impurities in raw materials and battery components directly impact the performance and the lifespan of the batteries. Therefore, the analysis for elemental impurities in the entire value chain is vital to provide quality, safety, and sustainability of battery components and end-products. As the Lithium-ion battery market quickly evolves, laboratories are often looking to perform analyses for which they may not be currently prepared.