On the use of Raman microscopy for sulfation analysis in lead-acid battery research

- Raman spectroscopy turned out to be an appropriate method for sulfation analysis.
- Raman data can be correlated well with elementary analysis and EDX.
- A lead sulfate specific mapping along electrode cross-section was possible.

Enhanced flooded batteries were studied by means of spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy. Negative plate sulfation as an important failure mode in partial state of charge cycling was characterized. Raman spectroscopy turned out to be an appropriate method for sulfation analysis. The data were correlated with results from elementary analysis and EDX. A lead sulfate specific mapping along electrode cross-section was possible with a spatial resolution of ∼50 μm.