In this interview, AZoMaterials speaks with Dr. Sudhir Dahal and Hernan Sanchez about the latest advancements in battery technology. They discuss innovative approaches to battery failure analysis, material degradation studies, and the role of vibrational spectroscopy in improving performance, reliability, and safety.
Can you please introduce yourselves and your roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific?
Dr. Sudhir Dahal: My name is Sudhir Dahal, and I am a Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. I am responsible for our vibrational spectroscopy portfolio, which includes Raman and FTIR spectrometers. I work closely with researchers and manufacturers to apply these techniques in battery development and quality control.
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How does vibrational spectroscopy, particularly Raman, support battery component analysis?
Dr. Sudhir Dahal: Raman spectroscopy is non-destructive, rapid, and highly sensitive to structural and compositional changes. It can detect stress, strain, crystallinity, and material identity. These attributes make it invaluable for analyzing battery components such as anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and separator films. Raman does not require sample prep and can even analyze through transparent containers, preserving the sample's integrity.
Can you share an example of how Raman is used for separator film quality control?
Dr. Sudhir Dahal: We used Raman imaging to analyze a tri-layer separator composed of polypropylene and polyethylene. Although the material composition was as expected, the thickness was only 5 microns per layer, which is below optimal specifications. Raman microscopy helped us visualize each layer and measure its depth, identifying potential safety risks related to separator integrity.
How does Raman spectroscopy distinguish between graphite and graphene in battery applications?
Dr. Sudhir Dahal: Raman identifies graphene by analyzing the G-band and 2D-band peaks. The intensity ratio and peak shifts reveal whether a sample is single-layer graphene or multilayer graphite. We have also used Raman mapping to assess the quality and uniformity of graphene coatings on silicon substrates. This is key for enhancing conductivity and performance in lithium-ion batteries.
What role does Raman spectroscopy play in monitoring lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production?
Dr. Sudhir Dahal: In LFP analysis, Raman detects specific molecular peaks that differentiate pure lithium iron phosphate from unreacted precursors. Using a process Raman analyzer, we applied a chemometric model to quantify LFP concentrations in powder form. This real-time analysis, completed in under a minute, helps manufacturers optimize production and ensure material consistency.
Why is combining spectroscopy and imaging crucial for advancing battery technology?
Dr. Sudhir Dahal: Imaging gives us a structural view, while spectroscopy provides molecular insights. Combining these techniques gives us a complete picture of what is happening inside a battery, including how materials degrade, where failures start, and how we can prevent them. Together, they empower researchers and manufacturers to make safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient batteries.
If users experience warm batteries, how can they perform a failure analysis investigation?
Hernan Sanchez: Failure analysis investigations for batteries usually require specialized equipment, such as a CT scanner or a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
If those resources are available, it is essential to coordinate with your internal failure analysis or research laboratory. These types of analyses require expertise to interpret the results, so it is best to contact your dedicated failure analysis team.
One important consideration is that if a battery fire has occurred, strict regulations govern how such batteries must be shipped. Commercially available options for compliant shipping exist. Ensuring proper transportation is critical to performing a thorough and safe failure analysis.
Are there any techniques beyond the ones you described for evaluating batteries post-cycling?
Hernan Sanchez: Beyond standard techniques such as teardowns, cross-sections, and computed tomography (CT), a wide range of additional tools can be employed. One area that has provided significant value is materials characterization, similar to what Dr. Sudhir Dahal described. We have recently utilized chemical characterization of the electrolyte to detect changes that occur over time because of cycling.
These experimental procedures are more involved, but they can yield great insight into the performance and degradation of battery cells. This type of analysis adds another valuable dimension to understanding battery behavior beyond structural examination.
Watch the Accompanying Webinar: Excelling in Battery Failure Analysis With Cutting-Edge Analytical Solutions
About the Speaker
Dr. Sudhir Dahal
Dr. Sudhir Dahal is Product Manager for Raman and vibrational spectroscopy at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he focused on developing spectroscopy-based techniques for brain tumor detection. With over seven years of industry experience, Dr. Dahal has applied vibrational spectroscopy techniques across life sciences and materials science applications, helping researchers unlock molecular insights into battery materials, polymers, and more.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
For more information on this source, please visit thermofisher.com/battery-solutions.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited (T/A) AZoNetwork, the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and Conditions of use of this website.