Application of High-Precision X-ray Fluorescence Elemental Analyzer for the Determination of Cobalt and Aluminum in Aluminum-Doped Cobalt Tetroxide Powder

This application note presents a solution for the precise quantitative analysis of cobalt and aluminum in aluminum-doped cobalt tetroxide powder using a high-precision X-ray fluorescence elemental analyzer.

Application Overview

In lithium‑ion battery applications, aluminum‑doped cobalt tetroxide serves as a key raw material for lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cathode materials. It contributes to the structural stability of LCO during high‑voltage charge/discharge cycles, thereby supporting battery cycle performance and safety.

Conventional analytical methods such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP‑OES) are often used for Al determination, while potentiometric titration is applied for Co content. The E‑find series offers a practical alternative by enabling simultaneous analysis of the major elements Co and Al in cobalt tetroxide.

Technical Principles

The High-Precision X-ray Fluorescence Elemental Analyzer (HPXRF) utilizes Monochromatic Focusing Doubly Curved Crystal (DCC) optics. This technology monochromatizes polychromatic X-rays emitted from the source and effectively focuses them onto the sample, significantly enhancing the instrument's signal-to-noise ratio. Following monochromatization, elements within the sample emit characteristic X-ray fluorescence signals. These signals are collected and processed by a high-resolution Silicon Drift Detector (SDD), and the software's Fundamental Parameter (FP) algorithm calculates the elemental content in the sample.

Sample Preparation Method

Performance Data

Standard Curves

Parallelism

Five parallel samples were prepared for each cobalt tetroxide powder sample and determined using HPXRF. The results are shown in the table below.

Repeatability

Features and Advantages