Inside the Lab: How Scientists Are Transforming Battery Material Analysis
Posted by Natalia Pigino on
As the demand for higher-performing, longer-lasting batteries accelerates, laboratories and manufacturers are paying closer attention to how they analyze and prepare their materials. From particle-size uniformity to chemical stability, every variable in sample preparation—especially milling, jar material, and contamination control—affects the accuracy of analytical results.
At MSE Supplies, our Battery Material Analysis Collection provides high-purity media, precision jars, and accessories designed specifically for battery R&D and quality control workflows. To help you stay ahead, we’ve summarized recent (2023–2025) scientific discussions and technical reports on how top researchers are improving their battery-material analysis through optimized milling and preparation techniques.
1) Hong Kong University of Science and Technology & collaborators (2024) — “Enhancing Long Stability of Solid-State Batteries Through High-Energy Ball Milling-Induced Decomposition of Sulfide-Based Electrolyte to Sulfur”
This study shows that when sulfide solid electrolytes in solid-state batteries are processed via high-energy ball milling, structural decomposition can occur (to sulfur) which ironically boosted long-term stability. Nature
Why it matters: For battery material analysis, the sample prep media/jar must handle high-energy milling without introducing uncontrolled changes. Media and jars from your collection must be selected with care for such sensitive materials.
2) Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Advances review (2025) — “Research progress in the preparation of sodium-ion battery anode materials using ball milling”
The review covers how ball milling (mixing, exfoliation, doping, synthesis) is widely used for sodium-ion battery anode materials. RSC Publishing+1
Why it matters: The techniques described align with analysing battery materials: If your customers are preparing anodes for sodium-ion batteries, the correct media and jars from your collection will be key in achieving reproducible analysis.
3) Retsch GmbH / Verder Scientific white paper (2024) — “Unlocking the potential: The role of ball mills in battery technology”
This document outlines four main application areas in battery materials: particle size reduction, mixing/coating, new material synthesis, and sample preparation for analysis. retsch.com
Why it matters: It directly supports the idea that the “Battery Material Analysis” collection should cater to the sample-preparation stage (which is often overlooked) and that the media and jars you supply are part of that upstream workflow.
4) INLABS article (2025) — “The Critical Role of Horizontal Ball Milling Jars in Lithium-Ion Battery Material Processing”
This article emphasises that jar orientation (horizontal vs vertical) and jar material (ceramic vs steel) matter significantly for battery-material preparation: low-contamination ceramic jars (ZrO₂/Al₂O₃) are recommended for sensitive materials. inlabs.cc
Why it matters: It gives you a messaging opportunity: “We offer ceramic jars/balls under our Battery Material Analysis collection — recommended by labs working on next-gen battery materials.”
5) Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry (2024) — “Impact of ball milling on the energy storage properties of LiFePO₄ cathodes for lithium-ion batteries”
Study shows both dry and solvent-based ball milling affect microstructure, conduction paths, and electrochemical performance for LFP cathodes. The choice of solvent/medium influences agglomeration and defects. SpringerLink
Why it matters: It underscores the importance of media (and milling environment) for reliable battery‐material analysis. Your collection can highlight media compatible with dry/wet milling and for battery material throughput.