HOGON AKF-CH6 Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer for Sulfide-Based Solid Electrolytes
| Brand | HOGON |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic (China-Made) |
| Model | AKF-CH6 |
| Price | USD 9,500 (FOB Shanghai) |
Overview
The HOGON AKF-CH6 is a purpose-built coulometric Karl Fischer moisture analyzer engineered specifically for the quantitative determination of trace water (down to sub-ppm levels) in air-sensitive, non-soluble solid materials—most critically, sulfide-based solid electrolytes used in next-generation all-solid-state batteries. Unlike conventional volumetric or generic coulometric systems, the AKF-CH6 integrates a precision-controlled headspace heating module with a fully sealed coulometric titration cell, enabling robust, contamination-free moisture release and detection without solvent dissolution or atmospheric exposure. Its operational principle relies on the stoichiometric electrochemical generation of iodine (I₂) via Faraday’s law in a dual-platinum electrode cell, where water reacts quantitatively with iodine, sulfur dioxide, and base in methanol medium. The total charge consumed during electrolysis is directly proportional to the water content, yielding high-accuracy results traceable to SI units. This architecture meets the stringent metrological demands of battery R&D labs and QC facilities operating under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited workflows.
Key Features
- Integrated headspace heating unit with ±0.5 °C temperature stability (range: 25–200 °C), programmable ramping and dwell profiles
- Hermetically sealed coulometric titration cell with隔膜 electrolyte membrane and dual-platinum indicator electrodes
- Automated syringe-puncture mechanism for sealed vial sampling—eliminates manual handling and ambient moisture ingress
- Dry carrier gas delivery system (N₂ or synthetic air, dew point ≤ −40 °C) with mass flow controller (30–100 mL/min, ±1% FS)
- Real-time coulometric current monitoring and adaptive endpoint detection based on drift stabilization (≤0.1 µg H₂O/min)
- Compliance-ready firmware supporting audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signatures per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AKF-CH6 is validated for direct analysis of Li₃PS₄, Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂ (LGPS), Li₇P₃S₁₁, and related thio-LISICON-type sulfides, as well as oxide-hybrid composites containing sulfide phases. It accommodates sample masses from 10 mg to 500 mg in standard 10 mL crimp-top headspace vials. The method conforms to ASTM E203–22 (“Standard Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration”) and ISO 12937:2021 (“Petroleum products — Determination of water — Coulometric Karl Fischer titration method”), with modifications documented in internal validation reports (available upon request). All hardware and software components are CE-marked and RoHS-compliant. Instrument qualification includes IQ/OQ documentation aligned with GLP and GMP environments.
Software & Data Management
The embedded HOGON MoistureSuite™ v3.2 software provides full method development, sequence programming, and result reporting. It supports customizable calculation templates (e.g., ppm, % w/w, µg H₂O/mg sample), automatic blank subtraction, and statistical evaluation (RSD%, confidence intervals). Raw data—including current vs. time curves, temperature logs, and gas flow records—are stored in encrypted .csv and .pdf formats with immutable timestamps. Data export complies with LIMS integration protocols (ODBC, HL7, and ASTM E1384-compliant XML schema). Audit trail functionality logs every user action, parameter change, and calibration event with operator ID and timestamp—fully retrievable for regulatory review.
Applications
- Quantification of residual moisture in sulfide electrolyte powders pre- and post-ball milling, annealing, or storage
- Stability assessment of electrolyte–cathode interfaces under controlled humidity exposure
- In-process moisture monitoring during dry-room manufacturing of solid-state battery cells
- Validation of glovebox purge efficiency and material transfer protocols
- Comparative hygroscopicity screening across compositional variants (e.g., P/S ratio, halogen doping)
- Supporting DOE-compliant material qualification dossiers for automotive OEMs and cell manufacturers
FAQ
What is the lowest detectable water concentration achievable with the AKF-CH6 for sulfide electrolytes?
The system achieves a method detection limit of 0.1 ppm (w/w) when using 300 mg sample mass and optimized heating parameters (e.g., 120 °C, 35 mL/min N₂), verified per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
Can the AKF-CH6 analyze samples containing reactive lithium metal or lithiated cathodes?
Yes—provided samples are loaded into inert-atmosphere gloveboxes (O₂/H₂O < 0.1 ppm) and sealed immediately; the instrument’s fully closed path prevents contact between evolved gases and reagents.
Is method transfer possible between different AKF-CH6 units?
Yes—standardized electrode geometry, reagent formulation (HOGON KF-Coulomat AG), and firmware versioning ensure inter-unit reproducibility within ±3% RSD (n=6) across laboratories.
Does the system support automated calibration verification?
Yes—integrated solid water standards (1000 ±50 µg H₂O, traceable to NIST SRM 2890) enable daily performance checks with auto-generated calibration certificates.
How is compliance with battery industry quality standards addressed?
The AKF-CH6 satisfies key requirements of UL 2580, GB/T 36276–2018, and the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 for raw material moisture control, with full documentation packages available for supplier audits.
