Analysis of Positive Electrode (NCM) for Lithium Ion Battery by EPMA and SPM

User Benefits

- Evaluation of uneven distribution and isolation of components of the positive electrode of lithium-ion batteries is useful in quality improvement and product development. - Multifaceted material analysis is possible by an integrated analysis by collaboration of EPMA and SPM.

Introduction

A lithium ion battery (hereinafter, LIB) is a rechargeable storage battery which is charged/discharged by desorption/insertion of Li+ from the structure of the active material. In recent years, the applications of LIBs have increased exponentially, spurring active research aimed at increasing battery capacity and life, reducing costs, and improving safety. In those efforts, evaluation of the distribution states of the active material, binder, and conductive additive which are the principal components of the LIB positive electrode is important for improving performance and quality control. Here, the distribution of elements in a LIB positive electrode was measured using an EPMA™ electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA-8050G), and the conductivity of the electrode was evaluated by comparing distribution images of the same fields acquired with the EPMA and an SPM scanning probe microscope (SPM-9700HT™).

February 28, 2021 GMT