Isothermal microcalorimeter TAM IV Micro XL

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TA Instruments announced today the introduction of the TAM IV Micro XL, a powerful isothermal microcalorimeter (IMC) specifically designed to measure the smallest electrochemical reactions inside battery cells. Outfitted with a large test chamber, this instrument allows scientists and engineers fabricate custom sized battery holders to accommodate battery geometries specific for their applications. Experimentations of pouch, coin, pacemaker and cell phone batteries can be conducted under passive storage conditions, or in conjunction with a battery cycler, to evaluate battery charging and discharging dynamics. TAM IV Micro XL can detect sub microwatt changes in a Li-ion battery during self-discharge. The parameters derived using this system allow for quantitative assessment of the sample stability. The shape of the IMC thermogram is a direct measurement of the real-time reaction rate (reaction speed) occurring in the battery cell. Understanding the speed of the reaction is considered a good indication of product shelf life and safety. In addition to the reaction rate, there are other important parameters that can be used to characterize thermal stability. More detailed analysis can be performed to determine thermodynamic properties of the battery discharge and charge processes, allowing for understanding of the underlying parasitic reactions important for evaluating battery cycle life and energy density. “Despite the maturity of Li-ion battery market, there is a never-ending focus to achieve safety, higher energy density, and longer battery cell cycle life,” commented Neil Demarse, Microcalorimetry Product Manager at TA Instruments.