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

Wasson GC O-FID Oxygenated Components in Gasoline Analyzer

Using an Agilent Technologies 8890 with custom Wasson-ECE hardware, this instrument rapidly determines oxygenate components in motor fuels.

Approved for determining oxygenates in gasoline and other motor fuels by ASTM D5599 and EN 1601
The determination of oxygenates in motor fuels is an important mandate of the reformulated fuels program. To meet this goal, the United States Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of Oxygenate Flame Ionization Detector (O-FID) analysis in preference to other analyses currently used by the fuels industry.
<h5>Oxygen Selectivity</h5>
Using an Agilent Technologies 8890 GC with custom Wasson-ECE hardware, this instrument rapidly determines oxygenate components in motor fuels. A single injection is introduced onto a capillary column which separates oxygenate components in boiling point order. A cracking reactor converts hydrocarbons into elemental carbon, and oxygenated compounds into carbon monoxide. A methanizer then further converts the carbon monoxide into methane before eluting to the FID detector.
Because hydrocarbons never make it to the detector, this method completely eliminates problems with hydrocarbon interferences.
<h5>Single GC 8890 Instrument Configurations:</h5>
<ul>
<li>ASTM D5599 or EN1601 - Oxygenates in gasoline and other motor fuels by O-FID.
</li>
<li>O-FID with D3606 - Oxygenates by O-FID per ASTM D5599 and benzene and toluene in motor fuels by FID per ASTM D3606
</li>
<li>O-FID with D4815 - Oxygenates by O-FID per ASTM D5599 and oxygenates by FID per ASTM D4815
</li>
<li>O-FID with D4815 and D3606 - Oxygenates by O-FID per ASTM D5599, oxygenates by FID per D4815, and benzene and toluene by FID per ASTM D3606
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_O_FID_GC_analyzator_kyslikatych_latek_Ukazkovy_chromatogram_z_O_FI_Du_32e439263e.jpg" alt="Wasson: Example chromatogram from O-FID GC system"/>
<h5>Simple to Use and Operate</h5>
The Wasson-ECE O-FID has been engineered to provide long life and require infrequent service. When replacement of the cracking reactor or methanizer is necessary, the task can be accomplished in under one hour, including instrument equilibration time.
<h5>Precise Analyses</h5>
Repeatibility tests yield relative standard deviations (RSD) of approximately 1% by weight over a series of 10 runs for all major oxygenated components. The O-FID response is linear over four orders of magnitude. An automated injection device is recommended to provide the most reliable means of repeatable injection.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_O_FID_GC_analyzator_kyslikatych_latek_Opakovatelnost_mereni_51c93d3988.jpg" alt="Wasson: GC O-FID Oxygenated Components in Gasoline Analyzer - Repeatibility tests"/>

Wasson-ECE GC RGA Refinery Gas Analyzers

Wasson-ECE Refinery Gas Analyzers (RGA) are an integral part of any HPI lab. 

Wasson-ECE Refinery Gas Analyzers (RGA) are an integral part of any HPI lab. These instruments often carry the heaviest sample loads because of the critical information they provide. RGAs provide valuable information regarding plant operation, unit optimization, and quality control. Our RGA systems are designed for flexibility while maintaining the accurate and repeatable results our clients have come to expect.
As a premier channel partner of Agilent Technologies, Wasson-ECE extends the capabilities of the 8890 Gas Chromatograph to meet key requirements of refinery gas analysis. The Wasson-ECE RGA incorporates our specially designed auxiliary oven, which holds up to five additional rotary valves and six columns, extending the analysis capabilities far beyond traditional methods.
At Wasson-ECE we strive to produce a product that is innovative and state-of-the-art to help our customers overcome their analytical challenges. The flexibility of our RGA systems can ease bench space issues by combining analyses into a single instrument while maintaining an easy to service system with minimal downtime.
<h3>RGA Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Complete range of analyzers for refinery and other petroleum gases and liquids
</li>
<li>vIncludes method development, selection of valves, and columns** in all configurations
</li>
<li>Dual TCDs and a single FID for the simultaneous analysis of fixed gases and hydrocarbons
</li>
<li>Wasson-ECE Auxiliary Oven which provides a second thermal zone
</li>
<li>Customized reports including calculations for mole %, weight %, or volume %, and calorific value available
</li>
<li>Optional liquid sampling valves or On-board Vaporizer expands the analytical capabilities to liquefied gases
</li>
<li>Optional fourth detector available on all Super RGA configurations
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_RGA_GC_analyzator_rafinerskych_plynu_Wasson_ECE_Moznosti_konfigurace_RGA_17545e3d4c.jpg" alt="Wasson: Wasson-ECE RGA Configuration Options"/>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_RGA_GC_analyzator_rafinerskych_plynu_Ukazkovy_chromatogram_standardni_RGA_1b72a88528.jpg" alt="Wasson: 383-Standard Refinery Gas Analysis"/>
<h3>Wasson-ECE Super RGA</h3>
Wasson-ECE has the unique ability to add a fourth detector to the GC, building our Super RGA series of analyzers. The additional detector expands the analytical capabilities of the standard RGA to accommodate applications such as sulfurs, oxygenates, heavy hydrocarbons, and trace CO/CO₂. This increased flexibility in configurations can reduce the number of GC’s used in a lab, saving clients valuable bench space and time.
<h5>Performance Guarantee</h5>
From hardware to analysis we stand behind our quoted application. Prior to shipping the instrument, chromatograms are submitted for customer approval. Performance is guaranteed to the clients actual sample, not just a generic standard. Any problems with the application during the first year are covered under warranty for an unparalleled performance guarantee.
<h3>The Wasson-ECE Turn-key Process</h3>
<h5>Sales</h5>
<ul>
<li>Application designed to customer&#39;s requirements</li>
</ul>
<h5>Factory Application</h5>
<ul>
<li>Method development and application setup</li>
<li>Customer samples are run to verify performance</li>
<li>Chromatograms are sent for client approval</li>
<li>Factory acceptance training if desired</li>
</ul>
<h5>Installation</h5>
<ul>
<li>Experienced Wasson Field Service Technician</li>
<li>Analysis of client’s real world samples</li>
<li>Calibration and familiarization</li>
</ul>
<h5>Customer Satisfaction</h5>
<ul>
<li>Follow up after installation</li>
<li>Knowledgeable and responsive service team</li>
<li>Optional preventative maintenance visits or service contracts</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_RGA_GC_analyzator_rafinerskych_plynu_Ukazkove_chromatogramy_Super_RGA_c62a4d715e.jpg" alt="Wasson: Example chromatograms (Super RGA)"/>

Wasson GC DHA Hydrocarbon Expert software

DHA analysis easy and simple. Efficient analysis is now even more efficient. Hydrocarbon Expert software.

Wasson-ECE Dragon DHA is a fast, easy to use application for the detailed hydrocarbon analysis of petroleum products by high efficiency gas chromatography. Dragon DHA uses a convenient, graphical interface to provide a one-screen display for visually observing the chromatogram and manipulating the data calculations in order to obtain the optimum results for analysis and data presentation.
<h3>Dragon DHA Includes:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Quick database creation.
</li>
<li>Fast peak identification and results processing.
</li>
<li>“Unknown” tab lists unidentified peaks in order of concentration.
</li>
<li>“Unknown indexer” takes the user directly to the unknown peak for identification.
</li>
<li>Unique dashboard feature continuously presents the user with all calculated results and instantly recalculates when changes are made.
</li>
<li>Hydrocarbon group-type filtering.
</li>
<li>Full preview and printing of reports.
</li>
<li>Results are bound with chromatographic data for instant retrieval and archiving. 
</li>
<li>Original files and data are never affected (CFR Part 11/ISO 17025).
</li>
<li>Result files are saved as netCDF (.AIA) format files and can be accessed by any third-party application that supports reading .AIA file format.
</li>
<li>Result files work as fully functional reference databases.
</li>
<li>Full reports are stored with results for easy retrieval without reprocessing.
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_Obrazek_1_Diagram_casti_DHA_chromatogramu_s_identifikovanymi_a_neidentifikovanymi_piky_b50386d9b9.jpg" alt="Wasson: Diagram of the part of the DHA chromatogram with identified and unidentified peaks. Hydrocarbon Expert greatly simplifies the identification of components by comparing the measured chromatogram with a reference."/>
<h3>Wasson-ECE Dragon DHA Software</h3>
Wasson-ECE Instrumentation Dragon DHA software uses integrated chromatographic data from commercial GC data systems, i.e. ChromPerfect, EZ Chrome, ChemStation. In fact, any GC data system capable of AIA (ANDI) file output is compatible with Dragon DHA.
<h3>Chemical and Physical Property Calculations</h3>
<ul>
<li>Vapor pressure</li>
<li>Oxygenate content</li>
<li>Relative density</li>
<li>Average molecular weight</li>
<li>Calculated research octane number</li>
<li>% carbon, % hydrogen</li>
<li>Calculated bromine number</li>
<li>Mass% and vol% multi-substituted ring aromatics</li>
<li>Total boiling point distribution</li>
<li>Wt%, vol%, mole% of group types by carbon number</li>
<li>Wt%, vol%, mole% of individual components</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Altium_International_Wasson_Obrazek_5_V_software_lze_porovnavat_neomezeny_pocet_signalu_a_reportu_Srovnani_lze_provest_na_jakekoli_urovni_od_shrnuti_dle_skupin_po_vlastni_vypocty_9c06f36d16.jpg" alt="Wasson: An unlimited number of signals and reports can be compared in the software. Comparisons can be made at any level, from group summaries to custom calculations."/>

Products from category Analyzers - page 1

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