Lithium Ion Battery Development

Lithium-ion battery technology has transformed modern energy storage, earning a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for its pioneering impact. Yet, lithium-ion battery research and development (R&D) remains critical as industries strive to improve performance, safety, and sustainability.

Hiden Analytical is one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of precision mass spectrometers. We provide advanced electrochemical gas analysis systems that support next-generation lithium-ion battery development. Our instruments are designed for academic research, industrial innovation, and commercial battery testing.

HPR-20 OEMS: Real-Time Gas Analysis for Lithium-Ion Battery R&D

The Hiden HPR-20 OEMS (Online Electrochemical Mass Spectrometer) is a powerful tool for gas evolution studies in Li-ion cells. Key features include:

• Ultra-low flow real-time sampling capillary for headspace sampling or direct connection to electrochemical cells such as El-Cell.
• QIC-ULF quartz-lined ultra-low-flow sampling interface (operating up to 200°C) with response times <3 seconds for most gases and vapours.
• High sensitivity detection: Standard 200 amu mass range detects <100 ppb.
• Optional 3F series 300 amu system with triple-stage mass filter extends detection to 5 ppb with improved contamination resistance.
• 3D data plots and automated spectral analysis for peak identification, mass-energy mapping, and composition analysis.

This system enables real-time monitoring of gas release during charge-discharge cycles, helping researchers improve battery safety, thermal management, and power density.

EQS SIMS Detector: High-Resolution Lithium Analysis

The Hiden EQS spectrometer provides SIMS detection for focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes:

• Exceptional sensitivity for light elements, including sub-ppm lithium detection.
• Nanoscale depth profiling via secondary ion sputtering.
• High dynamic range across six orders of magnitude.
• Enhanced lateral resolution of 50 nm for precise electrode characterization.

This makes the EQS ideal for battery materials analysis, electrode optimization, and failure studies at the nanoscale.

LAS: Automated Leak Analysis System for Battery Quality Control

The Hiden LAS (Leak Analysis System) is designed for high-throughput leak detection in sealed packages, including lithium-ion batteries:

• Detects leaks and impurities across a range of fill gases.
• Provides pass/fail analysis against defined leak-rate thresholds.
• Supports both quality control testing and battery R&D validation.

This system ensures compliance with safety standards and helps manufacturers maintain consistent battery cell integrity.

Gas Evolution Studies in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Gas evolution analysis is vital to understanding battery degradation, overheating, and safety concerns. Ongoing Li-ion battery development focuses on three key areas:

• Controlling temperature
• Improving power density
• Reducing recharge degradation

A typical Li-ion cell includes:

• A lithium-metal carbon anode in an electrolytic suspension
• A lithium metal oxide cathode
• Copper and aluminum current collectors

Because these reactions are air-sensitive, studying gas evolution is challenging. Hiden offers in-line mass spectrometry solutions that couple directly to battery electrodes or integrate with custom glovebox interfaces for air-free environments. These tools provide real-time, high-precision measurements to accelerate battery R&D breakthroughs.

Powering the Future of Lithium-Ion Battery Development

With decades of expertise in mass spectrometry instrumentation, Hiden Analytical delivers solutions for:

• Real-time gas analysis in lithium-ion cells
• SIMS profiling for nanoscale material studies
• Leak detection systems for battery safety and QC
• Custom glovebox-compatible mass spectrometry setups

Our instruments empower researchers and manufacturers to advance lithium-ion battery research and development, enabling safer, higher-performance, and more sustainable energy storage solutions.

Contact the Hiden Analytical team today to learn how our instruments can support your lithium-ion battery R&D projects.