Malvern Panalytical is a global leader in advanced analytical instrumentation and measurement solutions, dedicated to accelerating innovation in materials science and engineering. A wholly owned subsidiary of Spectris plc, a multinational technology holding company, Malvern Panalytical provides precision tools for characterizing materials at the atomic, molecular, and macrostructural levels.
The company specializes in energy storage markets, offering technologies critical to the development of high-performance batteries, hydrogen catalysts, and grid-scale energy systems. With a focus on research, process optimization, and quality control, Malvern Panalytical supports industries ranging from electric vehicle manufacturing to renewable energy storage, enabling clients to improve material stability, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Through proprietary systems such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle sizing, and elemental analysis tools, the company empowers clients worldwide to refine battery chemistries, meet regulatory standards, and advance recycling technologies.
Battery Technology
Malvern Panalytical’s battery-focused solutions bridge the gap between battery material research and commercial production. Key technologies include:
- XRD and XRF Analysis: The Empyrean and Zetium XRD systems identify crystalline phases and structural changes in electrode materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) under real-time operational conditions (in-situ studies). X-ray fluorescence (XRF, via Epsilon 4/Zetium) quantifies elemental composition in cathodes, anodes, and separators, ensuring consistency in mass production.
- Particle Size & Shape Measurement: Tools like the Mastersizer 3000 and Morphologi 4 automate precision analysis of raw materials (graphite, silicon, and metal oxides) and electrode slurries, optimizing porosity and conductivity in battery cells. The Insitec system enables real-time particle monitoring during production, minimizing defects.
- Battery Chemistry Development: Advanced solutions such as the Zetasizer Advance determine zeta potential to tune electrolyte stability, while the Revontium system analyzes nanoscale thin films in solid-state electrolytes. These instruments aid in optimizing emerging chemistries, including sodium-ion, solid-state, and lithium-sulfur batteries.
- Recycling Support: XRF and XRD help profile end-of-life batteries for efficient metal recovery, ensuring manufacturers comply with environmental regulations while reducing reliance on virgin materials.
The company’s technologies are also vital for gas diffusion layers in hydrogen fuel cells, integrating XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and particle analysis for catalyst stability and efficiency.
Recent Projects
Malvern Panalytical recently partnered with the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering to enhance cathode material durability for EV batteries, leveraging Empyrean XRD for real-time degradation studies. In 2024, the firm launched upgrades to its Aeris and Empyrean systems, improving resolution and data speed for high-throughput battery research. To engage stakeholders, Malvern hosted its annual “Future Days: Focus on Battery” virtual conference in February 2025, featuring case studies on solid-state battery and electrolyte development. Collaborations with Samsung SDI and Tesla suppliers highlight ongoing work in scaling AI-driven predictive analytics for battery quality control.
Business Details
Location: Malvern, Worcestershire, UK and Almelo, Netherlands
Website: https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/industries/battery-and-energy-storage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/20195
