The deterioration of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries is investigated by using a gas chromatograph to evaluate the composition and volume of gases produced inside the battery. With conventional analysis methods, a flame ionization detector (FID) is used to detect low-concentration hydrocarbons, and a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) is used to analyze inorganic gases, which means that multiple detectors (instruments) are required.
The Shimadzu analysis system for gases in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which uses a high-sensitivity gas chromatograph, enables the simultaneous analysis of inorganic gases and light hydrocarbons with a single instrument using appropriate separation columns. In addition, configuring multiple instrument parameters is no longer necessary, substantially reducing the time involved.