Why Particle Shape Analysis is Important

How to Analyze with Automated Optical Imaging

If you are spending time with your family this holiday season, you are probably working on a jigsaw puzzle! Each unique piece of the puzzle contributes to the overall picture: you must match the right shapes to complete the puzzle.

Batteries are no different in this regard. The performance of battery electrodes is significantly influenced by particle shape, that is, the form and structure of particles. Just like puzzle pieces, the way battery particles fit together (i.e., particle shape) affects the overall efficiency. However, when analyzing battery materials, we often focus more on particle size or chemical composition than on particle shape.

Why is particle shape so important and difficult to analyze?
Several factors critical to battery performance are greatly influenced by particle shape. Whether particles are rough, smooth, regular, or elongated can affect slurry rheology, packing density, porosity, and uniformity. All these characteristics impact the overall efficiency and lifespan of the electrode.

This means that analyzing and optimizing particle shape becomes an essential part of the quality control process in battery manufacturing. However, this is easier said than done. Battery electrode particles often come in a wide range of very complex shapes, and traditional analytical methods can’t always capture these intricate details and variations.

Introduction of Automated Optical Imaging
This is where automated optical imaging comes in. This technique combines the power of optical microscopy with sophisticated software algorithms to analyze and quantify the shape (or size) of particles.

Unlike traditional microscopes, which require manual handling and analysis, automated optical imaging can capture the shape, size, texture, and distribution of thousands of particles all at once. It revolutionizes particle shape analysis with its comprehensive, rapid, and accurate technology.

A Step Forward with Morphologi 4
With Morphologi 4’s fully automated image analysis capabilities,

Circularity
Elongation/aspect ratio
Circular Equivalent (CE) diameter
Transparency
… can be measured for particles below 0.5μm and sample sizes of 10,000~500,000 particles.

What’s even better is that with Morphologi 4-ID, these automated static imaging capabilities can be combined with Raman spectroscopy. This allows simultaneous measurement of particle size, shape, and chemical identity on one platform, enabling a complete understanding of particle behavior, not just a snapshot.

As demand for batteries surges, more and more manufacturers will require automated optical imaging in their quality control toolbox. Devices like Morphologi 4 can help solve this often-overlooked piece of the battery manufacturing puzzle.

Are you ready to revolutionize quality control with more effective particle shape analysis? You can learn more about Morphologi 4 (and other battery research and quality control solutions) in the brochure.

For more specific consultations, please contact us!