Answering the call for more accurate cathode analysis

How XRF enables better elemental analysis of LFP cathode materials

Can you imagine life without your phone? It’s safe to say that the answer is a firm no for most of us. And yet, for all that phones have transformed our lives, the technology of today’s smartphones is still relatively new. From the launch of the first handheld mobile phone in 1983, which offered 30 minutes of talk-time and weighed nearly 2 pounds (1 kg), we now have ultra-lightweight, pocket-sized mobiles we can use for days at a time. And the technology that made this possible? The lithium-ion battery.

The lithium-ion battery is an advanced battery technology that has revolutionized a range of industries, including electronics, medicine, and transport. In fact, these miniature powerhouses are so widely used that there are several types available. Lithium iron phosphate (or LFP) batteries, which use lithium iron phosphate as their cathode material, are one such example.

Closing the energy gap for LFP cathodes

LFP (LiFePO₄) has several advantages when it comes to making better batteries. First of all, it’s durable and has a long lifecycle. Second, it’s less expensive. Thirdly, but perhaps most importantly, it’s safer than popular alternatives like NMC (LiNixMnyCo1-x-yO2). But sadly, it’s not all good news. LFP batteries usually have lower energy density than other lithium-ion battery types; this means their run-time in relation to their battery size isn’t quite as good. For a long time, this has put LFP batteries at a significant disadvantage in the market.

Until now! New manufacturing and assembling techniques have finally started to close the gap between LFP cathodes and higher-density materials. From hydrothermal synthesis to carbothermal reduction and more, there are now several successful approaches to increasing the energy density of LFP. However, whatever manufacturing method is used, one thing remains constant to the battery’s performance: the need for strict control over the raw materials and the elemental composition of the final product.

Putting our XRF solutions to the test

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is the ideal solution. With its high stability and simple sampling preparation, XRF can analyze major elements in LFP cathode manufacturing, from raw material to final product. Our Zetium floor standing WD-XRF spectrometer is our best XRF spectrometer tool yet. Built to meet the most demanding process & control and R&D applications, it’s a clear market leader in both design and innovative features. It’s also equipped with our latest SuperQ software, including our Virtual Analyst, helping even non-experts set up applications quickly and easily.

And you don’t just have to take our word for it! In a recent study, we put our Zetium spectrometer to the test. Check out our application note to find out all about how this advanced tool delivers measurements times of just 160 seconds per sample, and how closely repeatable its findings are.

Together, we can make LFP batteries more powerful than ever, and even contribute to an exciting future for smartphones – so why not find out how you can join the journey?

Further reading

• Will green hydrogen be part of our homes sooner than we think?
• New possibilities in developing next generation batteries
• Battery analysis – an energetic research area
• Closing the gap – how to solve the battery market’s sustainability problem
• Evolving batteries for evolving markets

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