Identify a wide range of organic and gaseous species within a single data set without requiring a library of prepared standards.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are reliable and energy-dense power sources with established usage in a wide range of portable electronics. With expanding applications, research and product testing are focused upon battery longevity and electrical output, as well as potential degradation pathways undermining their performance characteristics.

Swelling is a common and irreversible degradation process of LIBs, indicating internal gas evolution as the battery’s electrolyte solution decomposes. Typical root causes vary, and may include physical defects or damage, overcharging, overheating, parasitic reactions between electrolyte components or with other internal components, extensive cycling lifetime (age), or any combination of these factors. Chromatographic analysis of the subsequent gas formation can fingerprint the substances evolved during failure and reflects the electrolyte composition, potential mechanisms of failure (leading to gas evolution), and safety implications for similar cells.