Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) plays a critical role in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, where solvent purity directly impacts performance, safety, and lifetime. Even trace-level impurities can contribute to degradation of solid electrolyte interfaces, consumption of lithium ions, or gas formation—effects that compromise both efficiency and safety.As battery materials continue to evolve, analytical approaches must provide both high sensitivity and high-confidence identification. A recent LECO application study demonstrates how combining two GC-MS platforms enables a more complete characterization of DMC impurities than either approach alone.<h3>Why Impurity Characterization in DMC Is Challenging</h3>Battery-grade solvents demand detection of contaminants across a wide concentration range, starting from major byproducts to trace-level species. In DMC, impurities may include oxygenated compounds, hydrocarbons, and nitriles, many of which arise from synthesis or handling processes.These compounds can co-elute or exist at levels below typical detection thresholds, making comprehensive analysis difficult with a single analytical technique. In addition, electron ionization (EI) spectra do not always provide a clear molecular ion, complicating compound confirmation.<h3>A Complementary Analytical Strategy: Sensitivity + Confidence</h3>The application note demonstrates a combined workflow using the approach:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1097">Pegasus BTX (GC-TOFMS)</a>&nbsp;for high-sensitivity detection</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/38">Pegasus HRT (high-resolution GC-MS)</a>&nbsp;for accurate mass confirmation</li></ul>The Pegasus BTX enables detection of impurities at below parts-per-billion levels, ensuring that even low-abundance analytes are captured.Following detection, the Pegasus HRT provides high-resolution, accurate mass data in both EI and positive chemical ionization (PCI) modes. PCI is particularly valuable when EI spectra lack a clear molecular ion, allowing confirmation through common adduct species such as protonated molecular ions [M+H]⁺.Because both ionization modes can be accessed without hardware changes, the workflow supports efficient, multi-dimensional confirmation of analyte identity.<h3>Observations</h3>Using this combined approach, multiple classes of impurities were identified in the DMC sample. These included:<ul><li>Oxygenated reaction byproducts</li><li>Alcohols, carbonates, and ethers</li><li>Hydrocarbons and aromatic species</li><li>Additional low-level analytes detected with high library match scores</li></ul>Importantly, the high sensitivity of the Pegasus BTX revealed a broader set of low-concentration compounds, while the Pegasus HRT increased confidence in compound identification through accurate mass measurements and confirmation of molecular formulas. &nbsp;The study also highlights cases where co-eluting compounds were successfully deconvoluted, allowing individual components to be identified even without complete chromatographic separation.<h3>Why This Matters for Battery Materials Analysis</h3>This work illustrates a key principle for advanced materials characterization: detection and identification are distinct challenges that often require complementary solutions.<ul><li>Detection alone&nbsp;is insufficient without confident identification</li><li>High-resolution confirmation&nbsp;is limited if low-level species are not first detected</li></ul>By combining these capabilities, laboratories can gain deeper insight into solvent purity, production processes, and potential performance risks in battery systems.<h3>Explore the Complete Study</h3>This short overview highlights only a portion of the findings. The full application note provides:<ul><li>Detailed acquisition parameters and workflows</li><li>Chromatographic and spectral data examples</li><li>Confirmed impurity lists with retention times and similarity scores</li><li>Examples demonstrating EI/PCI complementarity and accurate mass confirmation</li></ul>To better understand how complementary GC-MS techniques can improve confidence in battery solvent analysis, download the full application note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/203-821-731/">“Battery Solvent Characterization: Identifying Impurities in Dimethyl Carbonate”.</a>

 Confident Identification of Battery Solvent Impurities Using Complementary GC-MS Techniques

The international standard ISO/IEC 17025 [1] clause 7.7.2 with regards to ensuring the validity of results, requires a laboratory to participate in proficiency testing (PT) and/or to participate in interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) other than PT. However, no guidance as to what these other ILCs might be, or indeed how they might compare in relation to PT, is provided. This leaflet aims to outline other ILCs available, pointing out some of the limitations as compared to PT.&nbsp;There are three major types of ILCs in which a group of laboratories analyses identical portions from a homogeneous, stable test sample, with each type being characterized by its intended purpose [2,3]:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_2_d9263807fb.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_2_d9263807fb.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1507" height="607">A key point is that PT is an ILC that is designed to specifically evaluate the performance of participants, providing them with an infrastructure to monitor and assess the validity of their results. This is not the key purpose of the two other ILCs, and thus depending on their intended purpose they have a number of limitations that laboratories need to be aware of when using them rather than PT. Only proficiency testing should have been conducted in full compliance to the competency standard ISO/IEC 17043 [4].&nbsp;<h4>Evaluation of measurement procedure performance&nbsp;</h4>These ILCs, are designed to assess how a particular measurement procedure performs and whether it is fit for its intended purpose. These ILCs are often referred to as a ‘method performance study’ or a ‘collaborative study’ [2]. Some limitations of using such ILCs for monitoring laboratory performance as an alternative to PT are:&nbsp;<ul><li>All participants use the same measurement procedure i.e. the measurement procedure that is being validated. Unless the measurement procedure is being routinely used by the participating laboratory such an ILC will not assess the routine performance of the laboratory using their own routine measurement procedure. Nor does it enable them to compare their performance with other laboratories using alternative measurement procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>The measurement procedure is likely to be new, so participants may not have established stable procedures and quality control, so performance may not reflect routine use.&nbsp;</li><li>The report from such an ILC would not provide information on the performance of the participant, if the statistical model used makes the assumption that all laboratories perform with equal variability.</li><li>The design of the study may require the participants to assess multiple samples and/or to undertake multiple replicate analysis on the test materials. This may not be representative of the routine measurements or tests undertaken by the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>The conclusion of the ILC might be that the measurement procedure being assessed is not valid.&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_3_a53ecd2f5d.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_3_a53ecd2f5d.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="570" height="566"><h4>Characterisation of candidate reference materials&nbsp;</h4>These are ILCs that assign a property value to a candidate reference material, usually with a stated measurement uncertainty. These are often referred to as a ‘material certification study’ [2]. Limitations of using such ILCs as an alternative to PT are:&nbsp;<ul><li>The analysis of the candidate reference material is likely to require additional care in exercising the routine measurement procedure, such as substantially more replication, and/or may require quite different reporting formats (e.g. all valid replicates instead of a mean result). Thus, such an ILC will not necessarily provide an evaluation of the performance of the laboratory based on the routine use of their measurement procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>The report from such an ILC may include the results from the participating laboratories but would not provide information on the performance of each laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Participating laboratories may be required to assess multiple samples and/or to undertake multiple replicate analysis on the candidate reference materials. Thus this may not be representative of the routine measurements or tests undertaken by the laboratory.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Other ILCs&nbsp;</h4>Some other ILCs, whilst not being conducted in full compliance of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043, may be designed to evaluate participant performance. These would include small ILCs as defined by EA‑2/21 [5] or split sample ILCs i.e. where a portion of a single sample is sent to two or three laboratories. Whilst these ILCs are specifically designed to evaluate participant performance, they may not provide a comprehensive comparison that a PT might provide. In such cases the laboratory needs to evaluate carefully the competence of the organization managing the ILC and the suitability of the service externally provided (ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.6).

Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing

RI Calibration in NIST26 Chromatogram and Applying to Calculating RI in Samples

Article

Product

Application

Academy

Video

Software

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

My main interest is the identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry in organic mixtures.

James Little/Mass Spec Interpretation Services

DataApex Clarity Offline Chromatography Software

Clarity Offline allows users to import previously acquired data and to evaluate and prepare methods in regulated environment.

Clarity Offline allows users to import previously acquired data and to evaluate and prepare methods. This version cannot acquire data, but it can share data or even directly access (through LAN) projects of the <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/999">Clarity</a> and Clarity Lite software. With Clarity Offline users are able to work with acquired data on additional computers in the lab or at home. The software works with the same files and provides the same outputs (printing and exporting) as Clarity and Clarity Lite.
Clarity Offline is intended for use as additional software that supplements Clarity and Clarity Lite. It can also be used to evaluate data from other manufacturers&#39; CDS.
<blockquote>
Ask for <a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/clarity-demo">Clarity Demo version</a> which allows you to get your hands on software before purchase
</blockquote>
<h3>Main features</h3>
<ul>
<li>21 CFR Part 11 compliance: Clarity Offline contains all functions (Electronic Signatures, User Accounts, Audit Trail, etc.) for compliance with the 21 CFR Part 11 directive of the FDA. Clarity Offline can be used for evaluation in regulated environments.
</li>
<li>Networked Solution: Clarity Offline can access files of Clarity and Clarity Lite installed on networked computers. This enables evaluation of chromatograms, development of new methods, and printing reports on additional computers in the laboratory.
</li>
<li>Education: An additional field of use is in education. Students can process chromatograms that have been acquired from Clarity connected to a chromatograph using their Clarity Offline license. Thus they do not need a Clarity full license just for data evaluation.
</li>
<li>Data processing and evaluation from other chromatography software: Clarity Offline allows the import of data from other chromatography software using text or AIA import function. This allows the user to process and evaluate chromatograms acquired by other chromatography software.
</li>
<li>Offsite computer: Clarity Offline can be installed on any Windows computer, giving you anytime access to your chromatographic data (USB hardware key is required).
</li>
<li>Language Localizations available: Useful for non-English speakers. At the moment, there are French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese localizations available in a single installation package. Simply switch to your preferred language anytime.
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.dataapex.com/controls">List of supported instruments</a>
<a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/clarity-std-compatibility">Compatible Windows OS and Hardware</a>
<a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/clarity-21cfr-compliance">Clarity 21 CFR Part 11 compliance</a>

DataApex SST - System Suitability Test Extension for Clarity

The SST extension serves to monitor the correct function of the chromatography system. The program compares up to 12 selected parameters (e.g., retention time, efficiency, asymmetry of peaks) calculated according to one of three pre-selected methods (USP, EP, JP).

<h3>The SST extension serves to monitor the correct function of the chromatography system.</h3>
The program compares up to 12 selected parameters (e.g., retention time, efficiency, asymmetry of peaks) calculated according to one of three pre-selected methods (USP, EP, JP). These calculated values are either compared to the user&#39;s set limit values for each chromatogram separately or together for the selected series. Deviation of any parameter from the permissible limits is immediately reported and may lead to the termination of the sequence in progress. The SST Extension allows the user to monitor the parameters of individual substances and thus evaluate the reproducibility of the results of the entire chromatography system.
The SST extension is required when using the <a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/validation-kit">Validation Kit</a>.
<h3>Main features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Measuring: Simultaneous data acquisition from up to four signals (detectors) attached to one chromatograph.
</li>
<li>Parameters: The program compares up to 12 selected parameters (e.g., retention time, efficiency, asymmetry of peaks) calculated according to one of three pre-selected methods (USP, EP, JP).
</li>
<li>Limit values: These calculated values are compared to user set limit values, either for each chromatogram separately or together for the selected series. Deviation of a certain parameter from the permissible limits is immediately reported and may lead to the termination of the sequence in progress.
</li>
<li>Versatility: Even though validation primarily focuses on testing system reliability, it can also be used in many other ways. Validation can be run during measurements, or additionally, using batch processing. Validated data can be automatically saved to a database file for further processing.
</li>
<li>Enhanced sequencing: In connection with a sequence, the SST module can even pause a sequence when a specified value has been exceeded or to perform predefined functions.
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/999">Clarity</a> Chromatography Software required

ARC GCxGC Xpansion

ARC’s simple stop-flow modulator can be installed in minutes and turn any GC into a powerful multi-dimensional separation machine. ARC’s modulator emphasizes robustness, simplicity, and ease of use to allow anyone from a novice GC user to a veteran expert to generate valuable chemical data on the most complex samples. 

<h3>No-fuss GCxGC solution</h3>
This affordable package includes free, open-source software (visualization only), and ARC’s lifetime support. For power users we offer GC Image software. 
<h3>Why choose us?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Affordable</li>
<li>Robust design</li>
<li>Simple and easy self-installation or professional installation</li>
<li>Dramatically increased peak capacity</li>
<li>Easily switch between 1D and 2D GC</li>
<li><a href="https://www.activatedresearch.com/gcxgc_vis/">Free visualization software</a></li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_ARC_G_Cx_GC_Xpansion_9536cf0985/ARC-ARC-GCxGC-Xpansion.jpg" alt="ARC: ARC GCxGC Xpansion solution"/>
<h3>Why should I use GCxGC?</h3>
The separation of compounds by gas chromatography is typically performed using a single analytical column. As samples become more complex, it can become difficult to separate all the compounds from each other and they can start to overlap, or co-elute. Longer or narrower columns can be used to increase resolving power, but with diminishing returns.
Comprehensive two-dimensional GC, or GCxGC, drastically increases separation power by adding a second analytical column after the first column. A modulator placed between the two columns pulses the analytes from the first column onto the second column. When the columns are orthogonal in separation power, this technique can result in an order of magnitude increase in the number of analytes that can be detected.
ARC’s solution takes advantage of stop-flow modulation to make GCxGC an attainable configuration for any analytical laboratory. It involves continually sampling the effluent from the first column into an accumulator tube and re-injecting it onto a second, smaller column with orthogonal separation. This second separation happens in the time it takes to accumulate the next sample. The pulse time is known as the modulation time.

DataApex Clarity Chromatography Software

Clarity is a chromatography data software for data acquisition, processing, and instrument control in regulated environment. Clarity is a flexible solution for devices from different vendors, supporting different applications.

Optional control modules provide integrated control of selected instruments such as GCs, LCs, pumps, detectors, autosamplers, etc. Extensions provide functions for specific separation techniques or calculations such as PDA, GPC analysis, Mass spectrometry, or SST. Clarity can run in English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese language. Support technicians and developers are close to their users and ready to provide extensive Support from DataApex.
<blockquote>
Ask for <a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/clarity-demo">Clarity Demo version</a> which allows you to get your hands on software before purchase
</blockquote>
<h3>Main features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Measuring: Simultaneous data acquisition from up to four independent chromatographs, each chromatograph can acquire data from up to 32 detectors.
</li>
<li>Integration: There is an extensive possibility to modify chromatograms. The chromatogram can be changed by entering global parameters or interactively through direct graphic modification of the baseline.
</li>
<li>Overlay: Simultaneously displays a virtually unlimited number of chromatograms and their mathematical modification; for example, mutual deductions or derivations of any order.
</li>
<li>Calibration: Internal and external standard calculation methods, calibration of groups of peaks, and reference peaks method for better identification.
</li>
<li>Wide range of supported instruments: Control modules in Clarity allow users to control various instruments in their lab. See our growing <a href="https://www.dataapex.com/controls">List of supported instruments</a>.
</li>
<li>Extensions completing your workflow: Clarity Extensions integrates your workflow into one application. GPC calculations, PDA data processing, gas or detailed hydrocarbon analyses according to selected norms, and much more.
</li>
<li>Automated measuring support: Sequence tables for any set of samples with or without an autosampler.
</li>
<li>Postrun: Automatically displays, prints, exports, and starts other programs after the completion of a measurement.
</li>
<li>Summary result tables: Displays and prints selected results from all simultaneously displayed chromatograms.
</li>
<li>User settings: User selects parameters for peak display and the specification for axes, including color from an extensive array of color settings. Text labels and lines, either as part of the area or anchored to a chromatogram, may also be inserted.
</li>
<li>Export: Optional exportation of all results, with or without the chromatogram, in various formats, into a file or clipboard.
</li>
<li>Import: Imports chromatograms or mathematical curves, which have been saved in text or AIA formats, from other programs.
</li>
<li>LIMS: Clarity offers connectivity with LIMS, both for sample submission and result output. This can be done via convenient ASCII transfers.
</li>
<li>Method and calibration history: Each chromatogram can easily be displayed under the same conditions as when it was printed, exported, or saved.
</li>
<li>Column performance: Calculations of peaks in terms of symmetry, efficiency, resolution; all by several methods (tangent, moments, etc.).
</li>
<li>Batch: Automatically batch processes, displays, exports, or prints any number of chromatograms.
</li>
<li>User calculations: Users can define custom calculations in the Result and Summary tables. Using the integrated editor, you can create your own columns from original columns and individual mathematical functions.
</li>
<li>User accounts: Sets up access rights and passwords (including their parameters, e.g., minimum length, validity, etc.). Each user can define his or her own appearance of the software.
</li>
<li>Audit trail: Records selected events and operations into a special file. Records selected operations directly into a chromatogram.
</li>
<li>Electronic signature: Each chromatogram can be signed electronically. Signature selection is based on the username or the signature certificate.
</li>
<li>Networked Solution: Clarity chromatography software files can be accessed from networked computers using Clarity Offline software. This enables the offline evaluation of chromatograms, development of new methods, and printing reports. See the <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1000">Clarity Offline</a> for more details.
</li>
<li>Language Localizations available: Useful for non-English speakers. At the moment, there are French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese localizations available in a single installation package. Simply switch to your preferred language anytime.
</li>
<li>Competitive approach: The chromatography market offers many specialized HPLC data systems or GC data systems; these are often provided with the purchased instrument. It is usually complicated to integrate such software into the workflow of the laboratory since they do not enable direct control of additional instruments. Compared to other small-scale solutions, Clarity offers a wide range of directly controlled instruments as well as optional Extensions for specific separation techniques. On the other hand, complex solutions with a wide scope of features and scalable design are quite expensive, which is a limiting factor for many customers. Another drawback of the large solutions is their complexity which imposes high demands on users. Compared to this, Clarity represents a scalable medium-ranged solution with a steep learning curve and competitive prices.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Clarity configurations examples</h3>
<h4>One chromatograph with two detectors</h4>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_Clarity_Chromatograficky_Software_Clarity_configurations_examples_One_chromatograph_with_two_detectors_ae482b83b8/DataApex-Clarity-Chromatograficky-Software-Clarity-configurations-examples-One-chromatograph-with-two-detectors.jpg" alt="DataApex Clarity Chromatography Software: Clarity configurations examples - One chromatograph with two detectors.jpg"/>
<ul>
<li>The HPLC measures on two detectors. Clarity will acquire two separate signals sharing a common timebase (synchronized START/STOP). A resulting chromatogram will contain two signals.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Two chromatographs, one with multiple detectors</h4>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_Clarity_Chromatograficky_Software_Clarity_configurations_examples_Two_chromatographs_one_with_multiple_detectors_b21dc07faf/DataApex-Clarity-Chromatograficky-Software-Clarity-configurations-examples-Two-chromatographs-one-with-multiple-detectors.jpg" alt="DataApex Clarity Chromatography Software: Clarity configurations examples - Two chromatographs, one with multiple detectors.jpg"/>
<ul>
<li>This example displays a configuration with two chromatography systems (GC + HPLC) where the HPLC system uses multiple detectors. All the detectors attached to the HPLC Instrument will share common timebase (synchronized START/STOP). The GC detector will be independent.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Two chromatographs, one digital control</h4>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_Clarity_Chromatograficky_Software_Clarity_configurations_examples_Two_chromatographs_one_digital_control_1bf9cec334/DataApex-Clarity-Chromatograficky-Software-Clarity-configurations-examples-Two-chromatographs-one-digital-control.jpg" alt="DataApex Clarity Chromatography Software: Clarity configurations examples - Two chromatographs, one digital control.jpg"/> This example displays a configuration with two chromatography systems (GC + LC). The GC is connected and controlled via digital interface *, using a GC Control appropriate module.
<h4>Four chromatographs with autosampler each</h4>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Data_Apex_Clarity_Chromatograficky_Software_Clarity_configurations_examples_Four_chromatographs_with_autosampler_each_945873d808/DataApex-Clarity-Chromatograficky-Software-Clarity-configurations-examples-Four-chromatographs-with-autosampler-each.jpg" alt="DataApex Clarity Chromatography Software: Clarity configurations examples - Four chromatographs with autosampler each.jpg"/>
<ul>
<li>This example displays a configuration with two chromatography systems (GC + LC). The GC is connected and controlled via digital interface *, using a GC Control appropriate module.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.dataapex.com/controls">List of supported instruments</a>
<a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/clarity-std-compatibility">Compatible Windows OS and Hardware</a>
<a href="https://www.dataapex.com/product/clarity-21cfr-compliance">Clarity 21 CFR Part 11 compliance</a>

Products from category Software and libraries distributed by LabRulez - page 3

Related content

RI Calibration in NIST26 Chromatogram and Applying to Calculating RI in Samples

Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing

Confident Identification of Battery Solvent Impurities Using Complementary GC-MS Techniques