Overview - IEC TS 62607-4-7:2018 (ICP‑OES method for magnetic impurities)
IEC TS 62607-4-7:2018 is a Technical Specification in the IEC nanomanufacturing series that defines a standardized ICP‑OES method for the determination of magnetic impurities in anode nanomaterials used in nano‑enabled electrical energy storage. The document covers the full test workflow: measurement overview, required reagents and apparatus, sample handling, attraction/extraction of magnetically responsive particles, ICP‑OES analysis, data calculation and reporting. It applies to the total content of magnetic impurities (iron, cobalt, chromium, nickel) at or above 0.02 mg/kg that can be attracted by a magnet.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Targeted at anode nanomaterials for energy storage research and comparative studies (not for end‑product qualification).
- Magnetic impurity definition: Total content of Fe, Co, Cr, Ni that is magnetically attractable.
- Measurement principle: Magnetic collection of impurities followed by elemental quantification using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP‑OES).
- Reagents: Includes nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, aqua regia (nitrohydrochloric acid), ethanol, argon and certified standard solutions for Fe, Co, Cr, Ni.
- Apparatus: ICP‑OES instrument, magnets and magnet‑removal tools, sample tanks/rolling (scroll) device, ultrasonic cleaner, heating device, analytical balance.
- Test procedure: Steps for magnet cleaning, sample weighing, magnetic attraction, removal of non‑magnetic material, extraction/digestion of collected impurities, blank preparation and ICP‑OES measurement.
- Data and reporting: Calculation methods, uncertainty considerations and required test report content. The standard includes recommended wavelengths and instrument parameters, case study examples and validation annexes.
Practical applications and users
Who uses this standard:
- Battery and energy storage R&D teams assessing anode nanomaterial purity and safety risks (self‑discharge, internal short‑circuit).
- Quality control and analytical laboratories performing trace metal analysis on nano‑enabled electrode materials.
- Nanomaterials manufacturers who need standardized methods to control magnetic contaminant levels during production.
- Standards bodies and regulators adopting harmonized laboratory procedures for material characterization.
Practical benefits:
- Provides a reproducible method to detect magnetic contaminants that can cause performance degradation, safety hazards or aggregation in anodes.
- Facilitates comparison across studies and suppliers by standardizing sample collection and ICP‑OES determination.
Related standards
- IEC TS 62607 series (Nanomanufacturing – Key control characteristics) - other parts address different characterization methods for nano‑enabled electrical energy storage and nanomaterials measurement.
- ICP‑OES general instrument standards and national laboratory guidance documents may be used in conjunction for laboratory best practices.