This article was originally published on 1st May 2019 and has been updated to reflect the latest industry research.
Conductivity is a defining property in energy materials, influencing everything from battery efficiency to hydrogen fuel performance. Materials with high ionic conductivity enable faster charge transfer and more stable energy storage. Yet, even slight variations in purity, thermal stability, or environmental conditions can alter performance. To address these challenges, researchers turn to advanced analytical methods that reveal a material’s true conductive potential at the molecular level.
Mass spectrometry offers a precise and detailed approach to quantify conductivity. By examining ion mobility, chemical composition, and temperature-induced changes, this technique uncovers the underlying mechanisms of charge transport. Such insights are essential when evaluating high-potential materials like borane-based compounds, which include metal borohydrides and higher boranes. While these materials promise superior performance in hydrogen storage and solid-state batteries, their sensitivity to impurities requires rigorous analytical scrutiny through mass spectrometry.
How Mass Spectrometers Help Quantify Conductivity
The conductive properties of materials depend on ion transport, structural integrity, and purity. Mass spectrometry provides researchers with critical data on how these factors influence performance.
Detecting Impurities That Affect Conductivity
Trace contaminants such as moisture, oxygen, or chemical byproducts can hinder ion movement and reduce efficiency. Residual gas analysis (RGA) detects even minute impurities, ensuring materials are tested in their purest state for reliable conductivity assessments.
Monitoring Thermal Stability and Decomposition
Materials often exhibit peak conductivity only within specific temperature ranges. If they decompose or release gases when heated, their performance may suffer. Temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD-MS) helps researchers determine temperature thresholds for conductivity stability, leading to better material optimisation.
Borane-Based Materials and Their Conductivity Potential
Among the most highly regarded candidates for next-generation energy applications are borane-based compounds, including metal borohydrides and higher boranes. These materials offer excellent ionic conductivity but are highly sensitive to impurities. Mass spectrometry helps evaluate their true potential by providing detailed insights into their stability and charge transport properties.
Metal Borohydrides: Hydrogen Storage and Battery Electrolytes
Metal borohydrides, such as lithium borohydride (LiBH₄) and sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), are widely studied due to their:
- High hydrogen storage capacity, making them valuable for fuel cells.
- Ionic conductivity, supporting their use in solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
However, borohydrides are highly reactive to moisture, which can disrupt charge transport. Even slight contamination can compromise conductivity, making precise analysis essential. Mass spectrometry ensures these materials remain chemically stable and free from impurities, providing reliable conductivity measurements. Moreover, mass spectrometry tracks thermal decomposition, confirming that conductivity is maintained under operational conditions.
Applications of Conductivity Analysis in Energy Material Development
Assessing how materials decompose and interact with their environment refines their performance for fuel cell applications. Precise measurements enable scientists to optimise hydrogen storage compounds for real-world applications.
Enhancing Hydrogen Storage Systems
To maximise hydrogen storage efficiency, researchers must consider both hydrogen release rates and conductivity stability. Examining chemical stability and decomposition pathways allows for improved material performance in fuel cells.
Hiden Analytical: Advancing Conductivity Research with Mass Spectrometry
Hiden Analytical is dedicated to progressing mass spectrometry innovation for energy research, material science, and industrial applications. Our high-precision quadrupole mass spectrometers are widely used in battery development and semiconductor research, offering unparalleled accuracy in gas analysis, ion transport studies, and chemical composition analysis.
By delivering real-time data on conductivity-related properties, our mass spectrometers help researchers refine materials for greater efficiency, improved stability, and enhanced performance. As the demand for advanced energy materials continues to grow, we remain committed to providing the analytical tools needed to push the boundaries of battery technology, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage systems.
With energy storage evolving rapidly, precise conductivity analysis is more important than ever. We, Hiden Analytical, are proud to support scientists and engineers in their pursuit of higher-performing, more sustainable energy solutions. Our expertise in mass spectrometry ensures that advanced energy storage materials meet the highest standards of reliability and efficiency.
