Battery Materials Development and Characterization

A battery is a complex system comprised of four main components – cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte. Comprehensive analysis of battery materials helps battery producers select the right components and screen battery chemistries.

Thermal analysis, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), helps scientists determine thermal stability, including the onset of an exothermic reaction and the heat of reactions for battery materials. The onset and amount of heat released during an exothermic reaction can help a battery engineer to design thermal management systems and perform a safety evaluation of cathode and anode materials in different states of charge. The separator or solid state electrolytes are one of the most critical components to ensure battery safety. Dynamic Mechanical Analyzers (DMA) can measure mechanical properties to ensure thermal mechanical stability to prevent an internal short circuit.