7Disassembly and Cleaning
When working with aprotic, moisture-sensitive electrolytes such as LiPF6, it is best to always
leave the cell base and cell lid in the glove box and only expose the PAT core components to
room air for cleaning or disposal.
Note that excess electrolyte may leak from the PAT-Core and cause contamination in the cell
base and on the contact pins. For standard electrodes and standard separators use 100 µl
electrolyte. If the cell base is contaminated with electrolyte, clean it in the glove box with a
cloth and a battery-compatible solvent such as DMC.
If the cell base or lid has been in contact with ambient air or if they are being used for the
first time, they must be dried in a vacuum at 80°C for at least 12 hours before use.
Stainless steel plungers can be cleaned with water, acetone, or ethanol. If necessary, persistent
stains can be removed from the plungers with aqueous nitric acid (20%, 2 hours at room
temperature). Insulating sleeves made of PP are intended for single use. Insulating sleeves
made of PEEK or PPS can be cleaned with water, acetone, or ethanol and are reusable after
careful drying (120°C, vacuum, >12 hours).
Never immerse the cell base in liquid. In particular, avoid contact of the electronic
components on the bottom of the cell base with liquid.
Notes:
▪Protect yourself against chemical hazards. Electrolytes may spill out during cleaning.
Electrode materials and electrolytes may react with ambient atmosphere or solvents used
for cleaning. Wear appropriate protective equipment, goggles, and gloves.
▪Clean all cell parts right after disassembly. Leaving cell parts in contact with the ambient
atmosphere while still being wetted with electrolytes may result in severe corrosion.
