Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) records the mass of a sample as a function of temperature or time under a controlled atmosphere, detecting decomposition, oxidation, moisture loss, and volatilization events from the mass-loss profile and its derivatives. As a hard skill it requires selecting the appropriate gas atmosphere, calibrating the balance and temperature sensor with certified standards, and correlating mass-loss steps with derivative curves and complementary techniques such as DSC or evolved-gas mass spectrometry. Battery researchers apply TGA to determine organic binder content in electrodes, measure residual solvent after drying, characterize cathode thermal stability, and assess carbon content in active materials.
