Global warming is driving changes in both our way of life and development of technology. We need ideas to use energy in a better way, a clear example of this is the shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles.

Batteries are evolving and Li-ion battery is the chosen technology so far. They are currently the dominant mobile power sources for portable electronic devices, exclusively used in cell phones and laptop computers, and the preferential powerhouse choice for electric vehicles. Consequently we must understand how to improve battery performance so the chemical analysis of their components is a necessary step where materials for anodes, cathodes and electrolytes need to be fully characterised.

An e-book is available from Analytix that provides an introduction to Li-battery technology followed by guidelines for sample preparation and analysis of components including lithium sources, anode and cathode materials, electrolytes, and recycling materials. The book demonstrates how the use of microwave-assisted closed vessel digestion systems enables the metal analysis of components used in the industry. Adopting this technology enables shorter digestion cycles using lower volumes of less aggressive reagents with higher temperatures without compromising safety aspects. This approach heralds the transition to green digestion procedures that are fully compatible with the advent of a greener technology for powering devices and vehicles.