Evolution of FTIR spectral libraries for the characterization of gaseous emissions from battery thermal runaway

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L’engagement d’IFPEN en faveur d’un mix énergétique durable se traduit par des actions visant :

• à gagner en efficacité énergétique ;
• à réduire les émissions de CO2 et de polluants ;
• à améliorer l’empreinte environnementale de l’industrie et des transports ;

tout en répondant à la demande mondiale en mobilité, en énergie et en produits pour la chimie.

Dans cet objectif, IFPEN développe des solutions permettant, d’une part, d’utiliser des sources d’énergie alternatives et, d’autre part, d’améliorer les technologies existantes liées à l’exploitation des énergies fossiles.

Evolution of FTIR spectral libraries for the characterization of gaseous emissions from battery thermal runaway

The growing electrification of transport is increasing interest in understanding emissions generated during battery thermal runaway events. These events can release a complex mixture of gaseous compounds that may be toxic, corrosive or flammable (fluorinated compounds, carbonyls, organic solvents, electrolyte decomposition products, etc.).

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a relevant technique for real-time measurement of many gaseous species. However, the spectral libraries available in commercial FTIR analyzers are often limited for compounds specific to battery thermal runaway, and improving these libraries is therefore important to improve the reliability of gas identification/quantification, enhancing knowledge of the emissions produced.

Internship objectives

Contribute to the development of spectral libraries for an FTIR analyzer to improve measurement of certain gaseous emissions associated with battery thermal runaway.

1. State-of-the-art literature review

The candidate will produce a synthesis of current knowledge on:

• The gaseous emissions mainly reported during thermal runaway events,
• Measurement needs, as well as performance and limitations of FTIR techniques. This work will produce a prioritized list of candidate compounds based on occurrence, typical concentration ranges and FTIR measurability, for different battery technologies.

2. Enrichment of the FTIR library

Following the literature study, the candidate will select 2 to 3 priority compounds based on their spectral properties, FTIR absorption behavior and availability of reference gases, in order to:

• Acquire and process absorption spectra to obtain new reference spectra,
• Define and evaluate identification/quantification methods to be implemented, assess limits of detection/quantification, also evaluating spectral interferences with other compounds,
• Integrate and document new entries in the FTIR library,
• Test the updated library on existing experimental datasets or during dedicated tests.

Candidate profile

Master’s student (M2) specializing in physical measurements, instrumentation, physico‑chemistry/analytical chemistry, optics or a related field.

Desired qualities

• Interest in gas measurement techniques and spectroscopic analysis,
• Basic knowledge of infrared spectroscopy, data/signal processing; knowledge of batteries & electrochemical processes is an asset,
• Experimental rigor, analytical mindset and autonomy,
• Ease reading scientific articles in English.

Keywords: FTIR, infrared spectroscopy, battery thermal runaway, gaseous emissions, gas analysis, quantification, spectral interference.

Location: IFPEN Lyon (Solaize)
Start date : February/march 2027