Lithium-ion batteries and fuel cell technologies are enabling the transition to a future beyond fossil fuels. Li-ion batteries deliver efficient, high-density energy storage for electric vehicles and play a central role in integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. They also power the connected devices that define modern life – from smartphones and laptops to tablets and smartwatches. Fuel cells generate clean electricity from hydrogen for mobility and a growing range of energy applications, supporting the shift toward low-carbon transport and infrastructure. While lithium-ion technology continues to advance in energy density, lifespan, and safety, challenges such as thermal runaway risks remain. Fuel cells, though highly reliable, are sensitive to metal contamination, which can degrade membranes and impact long-term performance and durability.
Material analysis is essential in developing new battery and fuel cell components and ensuring produced units meet high quality standards. Thermal analysis plays an important role in raw material characterization, especially for thermal runaway issues. Hitachi’s EA8000 X-ray analyzer is designed for rapid battery and fuel cell quality control and failure analysis, whereas handheld XRF excels at identifying key elements during end-of-life recycling processes and fast, non-destructive determination of platinum and iridium loading on PEM membranes directly on site.
The EA8000 combines transmission X-ray imaging with XRF analysis to deliver a complete picture of the type, size and distribution of metal contaminants that are so detrimental to lithium-ion battery and fuel cell performance. Automated features and powerful analysis, including the ability to detect contaminants beneath the surface, ensure this instrument is precise enough for quality control, and rapid enough for extensive production use.
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Hitachi’s range of thermal analyzers give world-class baseline performance for excellent accuracy even on trace amounts of material. Sensitive enough for research and development, these instruments are also robust, durable, and reliable, making them ideal for production environments. Hitachi’s unique Real View sample viewing system gives another layer of understanding of what changes are occurring with the sample during the test and is essential for in-depth materials development and failure analysis.
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The X-MET8000 range of handheld XRF analyzers delivers powerful X-ray fluorescence technology and is invaluable in a recycling facility for rapid material sorting and identification of key elements, including cobalt. The size of an electric drill, the X-MET lasts all day on a single battery charge and is tested to MIL-STD-810G standard for robustness.
The X-MET8000 also enables fast, non-destructive determination of platinum and iridium loading on PEM membranes directly on site. This allows verifying precious metal distribution within seconds, efficiently monitor and optimize processes.
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The LAB-X5000 is a benchtop XRF analyzer that is designed to deliver precise and accurate results in a rugged exterior. A high-resolution detector, one-touch measurement start and a safety window to prevent sample leakage, this instrument is extremely user-friendly, making it easy to analyze samples both in the lab and on the production floor.
Find out moreHere’s how Hitachi analyzers can help in crucial battery development, quality control and recycling.
Read the article Find out more about our X-ray and thermal analyzers and how they can help you meet targets for battery development and production quality control.
For more information on the best instrument for your battery development or production, get in touch to speak with one of our experts.
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