A long-standing partnership continues to deliver value. GNR Analytical Instruments Group is proud to share the results of its latest collaboration with the University of Brescia, which has led to the publication of a new open-access scientific article.
Giacomo Siviero and Amedeo Cinosi worked closely with Professor Elza Bontempi’s research team to carry out elemental analysis on critical raw materials found in the black mass of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.
The context: critical materials and sustainability
As the global demand for rechargeable batteries continues to surge, sustainable management of critical raw materials—such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—has become increasingly urgent. The so-called black mass is the metal-rich residue left after battery recycling. Accurately characterizing this material is essential to optimize recovery processes and support a truly circular economy.
Technology empowering research
In this study, our Horizon TXRF spectrometer proved its value as an innovative and highly effective tool for handling complex matrices like black mass.
TXRF (Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence) was successfully applied to determine the elemental composition of lithium-ion battery recycling residues. One of the most notable advantages of this method is its ability to work with very small sample volumes (just a few microliters) and its streamlined preparation, significantly reducing reagent use and analysis time. This makes the technique not only operationally efficient but also environmentally friendly.
The study compared TXRF results with those obtained from traditional methods such as ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) and ICP-MS (Mass Spectrometry). TXRF showed excellent agreement, particularly for key elements like Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Fe. It also demonstrated reliable sensitivity for trace-level detection, with good reproducibility (typically under 10% coefficient of variation).
Another key highlight of the study is the ability to work directly with solid suspensions, avoiding time-consuming acid digestion procedures. This is particularly valuable when dealing with heterogeneous recycled materials, which often challenge conventional analytical workflows.
TXRF’s performance in characterizing black mass points to its strong potential for environmental monitoring, quality control, and sustainable industrial development in the battery and recycling sectors.
Open access publication
The full study is now available in open access thanks to the University of Brescia, and can be read in the Journal of Environmental Management at the following link:
🔗 Read the full article
