{"id":5465,"date":"2015-09-24T08:00:51","date_gmt":"2015-09-24T12:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/?p=5465"},"modified":"2026-02-03T18:19:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T18:19:10","slug":"lithium-from-mineral-to-battery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/lithium-from-mineral-to-battery\/","title":{"rendered":"Lithium: From Mineral to Battery"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"float: right;border: 0;margin: 10px\" title=\"lithium ion battery\" src=\"http:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/istock_000033551610_medium.jpg\" alt=\"lithium ion battery\" width=\"400\" height=\"265\" \/>For a large number of applications, from automobiles to portable electronics, lithium-ion battery assembles have become the energy storage solution of choice. Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery cells are lightweight compared to other battery technology, which, combined with their relatively high energy density, makes them appropriate and potentially cost-effective for transport applications.<\/p>\n<p>The first part of this post,\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/lithium-mining-today-may-influence-what-you-drive-in-the-future\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>Lithium Mining Today May Influence What You Drive In the Future<\/em><\/a>, discussed the growing demand for lithium and other Li-ion battery raw materials as interest in hybrid and electric cars gains momentum, as well as current (hard rock mining, surface brines) and potential methods for obtaining lithium. Lithium is a common but poorly concentrated mineral,\u00a0and there is considerable interest in increasing the supplies of raw materials needed to make lithium-ion batteries, and to develop them further.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the popularity of lithium-ion batteries, there is still room for improvement in the performance of Li-ion cells, for example to increase energy density, reduce weight, decrease costs, and improve recharge times. Improving such characteristics involves developing improvements to at least one of the core components of the cell.<\/p>\n<p>When operating, lithium stored in the anode is oxidized, and the Li+ ions created transport through the electrolyte and separator film to the cathode. When the cell is recharged after use, the flow of ions is in the opposite direction, and they are transported back to be stored in the anode. The anode is typically made from graphite, with lithium intercalated into the graphite structure. The cathode is comprised of a lithium metal oxide, the exact composition of which varies depending upon the required characteristics of the cell. The most commonly used cathode materials are LiCoO<sub>2<\/sub>\u00a0(LCO \u2013 lithium-cobalt), LiMn<sub>2<\/sub>O<sub>4<\/sub>\u00a0(LMO \u2013 lithium-manganese), LiFePO<sub>4<\/sub>\u00a0(LFP \u2013 lithium-phosphate), and Li(NiMnCo)O<sub>2<\/sub>\u00a0(NMC \u2013 nickel manganese cobalt). These oxides change in stoichiometry depending on whether the cell is charged or discharged; i.e., if the flow of Li+ is to or from the cathode.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt\">XPS Offers a Closer Look at Li-ion Battery Function<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A by-product of the charge and discharge process is the formation of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the anode. The formation and development of the SEI layer competes with the reversible lithium intercalation process, and over the lifetime of the battery the presence of the SEI will contribute to the lowering of capacity, and is a contributing factor to the ultimate failure of the cell. Understanding the SEI layer is an area of significant interest, so that it can be controlled and therefore improve cell performance. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thermoscientific.com\/en\/product\/k-alpha-x-ray-photoelectron-spectrometer-xps-system.html\">X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)<\/a> depth profiling offers a way of chemically characterizing the complex mix that makes up the interphase layer, allowing an identification of the chemistries that comprise the SEI. Read <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thermoscientific.com\/content\/dam\/tfs\/ATG\/CAD\/CAD%20Documents\/Application%20&amp;%20Technical%20Notes\/Surface%20Analysis\/AN52615-E-1214M-Li-ion-H.pdf\">Analysis of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries<\/a> describing the use of an XPS system to investigate unused and cycled cathode samples and determine variations in lithium content.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s Note: This post was updated on June 25, 2020. A reader brought to our attention that one of the sentences contained an error and we have fixed it.\u00a0 Thank you, reader, for alerting us!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For a large number of applications, from automobiles to portable electronics, lithium-ion battery assembles have become the energy storage solution of choice. Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery cells are lightweight compared to other battery technology, which, combined with their relatively high energy density, makes them appropriate and potentially cost-effective for transport applications. The first part of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":166,"featured_media":9187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"division":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-5465","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-laboratory-analysis","8":"entry"},"_selected_authors":[792],"_selected_reviewers":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometers play a vital role by providing fast, non-destructive elemental analysis of ores, concentrates, and intermediate products. This enables mining operations to optimize extraction efficiency, maintain quality assurance, and meet stringent industry\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Elemental\/Geochemical Analysis&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Elemental\/Geochemical Analysis","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/elemental-geochemical-analysis\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"a rock showing signs of copper and gold.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/iStock-1309478061.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/iStock-1309478061.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/iStock-1309478061.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/iStock-1309478061.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/iStock-1309478061.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/iStock-1309478061.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1624,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/a-halloween-treat-free-periodic-table\/","url_meta":{"origin":5465,"position":2},"title":"A Halloween Treat &#8211; Free Periodic Table","author":"Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane","date":"October 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"No tricks here. Download this handy periodic table and X-ray energy reference guide to help in analyzing your mining samples. \u00a0It's our treat. Then visit our Mining and Minerals, Cement Production, and Coal Power pages for more goodies. Download Periodic Table.\u00a0 \u00a0","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Elemental\/Geochemical Analysis&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Elemental\/Geochemical Analysis","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/elemental-geochemical-analysis\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"halloween scene with plastic pumpkin and candy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/No-Tricks-.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/No-Tricks-.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/No-Tricks-.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/No-Tricks-.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/10\/No-Tricks-.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14047,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/seeing-gas-leaks-in-real-time-how-optical-gas-imaging-transforms-ldar-programs\/","url_meta":{"origin":5465,"position":3},"title":"Seeing Gas Leaks in Real Time: How Optical Gas Imaging Transforms LDAR Programs\u00a0","author":"Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane","date":"June 9, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Article Summary Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs\u00a0are essential for\u00a0maintaining\u00a0environmental compliance, operational safety, and cost efficiency across industrial facilities. Traditional gas leak detection methods often fall short in speed, accuracy, and usability. Recent advancements in\u00a0optical gas imaging\u00a0(OGI) technology are reshaping how organizations detect, visualize, and quantify gas emissions in real\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Oil and Gas&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Oil and Gas","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/oil-and-gas\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Petroleum Storage Tank on Petrochemical Plant and valves","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/04\/iStock-537585303_gastank.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/04\/iStock-537585303_gastank.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/04\/iStock-537585303_gastank.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/04\/iStock-537585303_gastank.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/04\/iStock-537585303_gastank.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/04\/iStock-537585303_gastank.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14123,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/why-coal-chemistry-matters-in-coal-fired-power-generation\/","url_meta":{"origin":5465,"position":4},"title":"Why Coal Chemistry Matters in Coal-Fired Power Generation\u00a0","author":"Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane","date":"July 28, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary For coal manufacturers, product quality extends far beyond tonnage and\u00a0logistics. The chemical characteristics of coal directly influence power plant efficiency, emissions performance, maintenance requirements, and overall operating costs. As utilities continue to focus on fuel optimization and regulatory compliance, understanding coal chemistry has become essential for suppliers\u00a0seeking\u00a0to deliver value\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Coal&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Coal","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/coal\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Stone coal lump in scientist hand","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/iStock-1371922462_coallab.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/iStock-1371922462_coallab.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/iStock-1371922462_coallab.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/iStock-1371922462_coallab.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/iStock-1371922462_coallab.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/07\/iStock-1371922462_coallab.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13977,"url":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/what-is-in-situ-geochemical-analysis-and-why-it-is-critical-for-modern-field-operations\/","url_meta":{"origin":5465,"position":5},"title":"What Is In Situ Geochemical Analysis \u2014 And Why It Is Critical for Modern Field Operations","author":"Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane","date":"March 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"In situ geochemical analysis has become a cornerstone of modern mineral exploration, mining, and environmental fieldwork. As project timelines tighten and operational costs increase, organizations can no longer afford delays caused by traditional laboratory testing workflows. In situ analysis \u2014 the ability to measure elemental composition directly at the sampling\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Exploration&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Exploration","link":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/exploration\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Close up of industrial worker holding mineral ore in gloved hands on mining site","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/iStock-896157842.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/iStock-896157842.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/iStock-896157842.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/iStock-896157842.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/iStock-896157842.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/iStock-896157842.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/mining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/04\/istock_000033551610_medium.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/166"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5465"},{"taxonomy":"division","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/mining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/division?post=5465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}