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

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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

Organomation NiGen GC/HC Nitrogen Generator

The NiGen GC/HC is available in both a basic and HC version which completely removes hydrocarbons using a Pt/Pd catalyzer. 

The NiGen GC/HC is available in both a basic and HC version which completely removes hydrocarbons using a Pt/Pd catalyzer. It is capable of distributing 500 mL/min with greater than 99.9995% purity. It's designed to be connected to a dedicated AirComp compressor (can be purchased separately).&nbsp;Parallel connection allows for up to 4 generators to be stacked in a tower configuration. It features a CPU with touch screen display, which can be linked to a generator using CAN-BUS. This enables monitoring of the operating status and provides access to the maintenance menu, alarm reports, and functional parameters. It is capable of supporting up to 12 FIDs or NPDs with makeup gas or up to 7 ECDs.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Organomation_Ni_Gen_GC_modular_configuration_75ae60afb0.jpg" alt="Organomation: NiGen GC - Modular configuration" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Organomation_Ni_Gen_GC_modular_configuration_75ae60afb0.jpg 147w," sizes="100vw" width="727" height="768"><h4>Standard features</h4><ul><li>Modular configuration</li><li>Capacity to supply up to 12 FIDs/NPDs with makeup gas, or up to 7 ECDs or 5 S/S</li><li>Easy, "plug and play" integration with the dedicated Brezza series air compressor AirComp</li><li>Included Fast Start technology guarantees UHP after only 30 minutes</li><li>HC model includes Pt/Pd to remove up to .1ppm of THC</li><li>CPU with Touch Screen Display (connectable with CAN BUS) allows you to monitor the operational status</li><li>CPU also has an Ethernet output for PC connection&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Specification</h4>Key Features:<ul><li>Flow Rate: 500 mL/min</li><li>Output Pressure: 0 – 87 PSI (0 – 6 bar)</li><li>Purity: &gt; 99.9995%</li><li>Total Hydrocarbons: &lt; 0.1 ppm (HC model only)</li></ul>Air Input Requirements:<ul><li>Particulates: ≤ 0.01 mm</li><li>Oil Vapors: ≤ 0.01 mg/m³</li><li>Moisture: ≤ 3 °C dew point (ATP)</li><li>Minimum Pressure: 8 bar</li><li>Flow Rate: 6 L/min</li></ul>Electrical Requirements:<ul><li>NiGen GC: 115/230 V ±10%, 50–60 Hz, 50 W</li><li>NiGen GC HC:<ul><li>115 V ±10%, 60 Hz, 200 W</li><li>230 V ±10%, 50 Hz, 200 W</li></ul></li></ul>Additional Specifications:<ul><li>Protection Index: IP20</li><li>Noise Level:<ul><li>&lt; 50 dBA for 98% of operation</li><li>&lt; 60 dBA briefly during cycling</li></ul></li><li>Operating Temperature: 40 °F to 100 °F (5 °C to 40 °C)</li><li>Environmental Humidity: Max 90% (non-condensing)</li><li>Maximum Altitude: 2000 m (6561.68 ft)</li></ul>Dimensions &amp; Weight:<ul><li>GC Model:<ul><li>Height: 15.8" (40 cm)</li><li>Weight: 63 lbs (28 kg)</li></ul></li><li>GC HC Model:<ul><li>Height: 18.6" (47 cm)</li><li>Weight: 70.5 lbs (32 kg)</li></ul></li><li>Width: 14.9" (38 cm)</li><li>Depth: 20.8" (53 cm)</li></ul>Pneumatic Connections:<ul><li>Compressed Air Inlet: G 1/8” female</li><li>Nitrogen Outlet: G 1/8” female</li></ul>Warranty: 2 years<h4>Accessories</h4><ul><li>AirComp oil free compressor</li><li>CPU: User interface with touch screen display Brezza version</li><li>Installation kit</li><li>Maintenance kit for 8,000 or 16,000 running hours</li></ul>

Organomation NITRO-GEN Nitrogen Generator

The NITRO-GEN generator was developed with Organomation’s nitrogen evaporators in mind to provide nitrogen generation for sample concentration.

The NITRO-GEN generator was developed with Organomation’s nitrogen evaporators in mind to provide nitrogen generation for sample concentration. The generator is lightweight and easy to set up, requiring only a source of compressed air to run. This unit is an ideal choice for labs with an in-house compressed air source.The generator uses a hollow-fiber membrane to convert compressed air to a stream of 95-99% pure nitrogen gas. The hollow-fiber membrane consists of a series of narrow, semipermeable tubes in a porous membrane. As compressed air travels through the fibers, oxygen and water vapor permeate the membrane and are vented off, leaving a steam of high purity nitrogen gas. At up to 99% purity, the resulting nitrogen gas stream can be used in a variety of sample preparation applications.<h4>NITRO-GEN</h4>The NITRO-GEN produces up to 20 L/min of nitrogen gas and is recommended for evaporation of up to 48 sample positions.&nbsp;<h4>Standard features</h4><ul><li>Adjustable outlet pressure regulator, 0-100 psi</li><li>Dual Stage clean air filtration system</li><li>Requires an oil-less compressed air source</li></ul><h4>Advantages</h4><ul><li>Quick Start-Up Time - Nitrogen is produced instantly, no heat up time</li><li>Saves Energy - No electrical power needed</li><li>Engineered Design - Life expectancy is more than 10 years</li><li>Low Maintenance - Serviceable clean air filter</li><li>Compact and Lightweight - Small footprint conserves valuable bench space</li><li>Reduced CO2 Emissions - No heaters, less energy required</li></ul><h4>Specification</h4><h5>Key Features:</h5><ul><li>Flow Rate: Up to 20 L/min</li><li>Technology: Hollow-fiber membrane</li><li>Output Pressure: Adjustable 0 – 100 PSI</li><li>Electrical Requirements: None (no power required)</li><li>Noise Level: &lt; 40 dBA (virtually silent when connected to an instrument)</li></ul><h5>Inlet Air Requirements:</h5><ul><li>Maximum Inlet Pressure: 150 PSI (10.3 bar)</li><li>Particulate Filtration: ≤ 0.01 µm</li><li>Oil Vapor Content: &lt; 0.01 mg/m³ (&lt; 0.01 ppm)</li><li>Relative Humidity: &lt; 100% (non-condensing)</li><li>Air Quality: Clean, contaminant-free air</li></ul><h5>Environmental Conditions:</h5><ul><li>Operating Temperature: 36–122 °F (2–50 °C)</li><li>Ambient Pressure: Atmospheric</li></ul><h5>Dimensions &amp; Weight:</h5><ul><li>Size (W × D × H): 9.5 × 8 × 19.5 in (241 × 203 × 495 mm)</li><li>Weight: 13.25 lbs (6 kg)</li></ul>Warranty: 1 year

Linde REDLINE Pressure Regulators C 200/1 & C 200/2

REDLINE C 200 pressure regulators provide precise and stable gas control up to 6.0 purity, ideal for laboratory, analytical, and research applications.

The REDLINE C 200 series pressure regulators (models C 200/1 single-stage and C 200/2 dual-stage) are designed for precise control of non-corrosive gases with purity levels up to 6.0 (99.9999%), as well as gas mixtures containing low concentrations of corrosive components.These regulators ensure excellent pressure stability, high accuracy, and preservation of gas purity, making them ideal for demanding laboratory, analytical, and research applications.The C 200/1 single-stage version is suitable for applications with stable inlet pressure, such as gases supplied in liquid phase. The C 200/2 dual-stage version is specifically designed for systems where inlet pressure fluctuates, ensuring highly stable outlet pressure even under changing conditions.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>High precision pressure regulation for analytical applications</li><li>Suitable for high-purity gases up to grade 6.0 (99.9999%)</li><li>Excellent outlet pressure stability (especially dual-stage version)</li><li>Designed to maintain gas purity and minimize contamination</li><li>Wide range of configurable outlet pressure ranges</li><li>Flexible configuration with multiple valve and purging options</li><li>Robust and reliable design for laboratory and R&amp;D environments</li></ul><h4>Technical Specifications</h4><ul><li>Inlet pressure: up to 230 bar</li><li>Outlet pressure ranges:<ul><li>C 200/1 (single-stage): 3 / 6 / 10 / 14 / 16 / 28 / 35 / 50 / 100 / 200 bar</li><li>C 200/2 (dual-stage): 1 / 3 / 6 / 10 / 14 bar</li></ul></li><li>Gas compatibility:<ul><li>Non-corrosive gases up to purity 6.0</li><li>Gas mixtures with low corrosive content</li></ul></li><li>Inlet connections:<ul><li>According to DIN 477 and gas specification</li></ul></li><li>Outlet connections:<ul><li>Compression fittings</li><li>Hose nozzles</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Available Configurations</h4><h5>Models</h5><ul><li>C 200/1 (Single-stage) Designed for applications with stable inlet pressure</li><li>C 200/2 (Dual-stage) Designed for fluctuating inlet pressure with maximum outlet stability</li></ul><h4>Optional Equipment</h4><ul><li>Shut-off valve (Type A)</li><li>Needle valve (Type B)</li><li>High-pressure side purge (Type P)</li><li>Inert/external gas purge (Type TP)</li><li>Purge manifold (Type EP)</li><li>Post-purge (Type DP – available only for C 200/2)</li></ul><h4>Applications</h4><ul><li>Laboratory gas supply systems</li><li>Analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC, LC, MS workflows)</li><li>Research and development environments</li><li>High-purity gas distribution systems</li><li>Any application requiring stable pressure and contamination-free gas delivery</li></ul>

Linde REDLINE Pressure Regulators C 300/1 & C 300/2

REDLINE C 300 pressure regulators provide precise and stable gas control up to 6.0 purity, ensuring reliability for laboratory, analytical, and research applications.

The REDLINE C 300 series pressure regulators (models C 300/1 single-stage and C 300/2 dual-stage) are designed for precise control of non-corrosive gases with purity levels up to 6.0 (99.9999%), as well as gas mixtures containing low concentrations of corrosive components.Thanks to their robust design and high-quality manufacturing, these regulators provide excellent pressure stability, accuracy, and long-term reliability. They are particularly well suited for demanding laboratory, analytical, and research applications where maintaining gas purity and consistent pressure is critical.The C 300/1 single-stage regulator is recommended for applications with relatively stable inlet pressure, such as gases supplied in liquid phase. The C 300/2 dual-stage version is intended for systems with fluctuating inlet pressure, ensuring highly stable outlet pressure and improved control under varying operating conditions.<h4>Key Features</h4><ul><li>Precise and stable pressure regulation for analytical workflows</li><li>Compatible with high-purity gases up to grade 6.0 (99.9999%)</li><li>Dual-stage version provides superior outlet pressure stability</li><li>Designed to maintain gas purity and minimize contamination risks</li><li>Wide range of adjustable outlet pressure settings</li><li>Modular design with multiple optional valve and purge configurations</li><li>High reliability for continuous laboratory and R&amp;D operation</li></ul><h4>Technical Specifications</h4><ul><li>Inlet pressure: up to 300 bar</li><li>Outlet pressure ranges:<ul><li>C 300/1 (single-stage): 3 / 6 / 10 / 14 / 16 / 28 / 35 / 50 / 100 / 200 bar</li><li>C 300/2 (dual-stage): 1 / 3 / 6 / 10 / 14 bar</li></ul></li><li>Gas compatibility:<ul><li>Non-corrosive gases up to purity 6.0</li><li>Gas mixtures with low corrosive content</li></ul></li><li>Inlet connections:<ul><li>According to DIN 477 and gas specification</li></ul></li><li>Outlet connections:<ul><li>Compression fittings</li><li>Hose nozzles</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Available Configurations</h4><h5>Models</h5><ul><li>C 300/1 (Single-stage) Designed for applications with stable inlet pressure</li><li>C 300/2 (Dual-stage) Designed for fluctuating inlet pressure with maximum outlet pressure stability</li></ul><h4>Optional Equipment</h4><ul><li>Shut-off valve (Type A)</li><li>Needle valve (Type B)</li><li>High-pressure side purge (Type P)</li><li>Inert gas purge (Type TP)</li><li>Purge manifold (Type EP)</li><li>Post-purge (Type DP – available only for C 300/2)</li></ul><h4>Applications</h4><ul><li>Analytical instrumentation (e.g., GC, LC, MS systems)</li><li>Laboratory gas supply systems</li><li>Research and development environments</li><li>High-purity gas distribution systems</li><li>Applications requiring precise pressure control and contamination-free gas delivery</li></ul>

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