PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride), along with other polymers such as SBR and PTFE, is commonly used as a binder in the anode of lithium-ion batteries due to its electrochemical and chemical stability, and high adhesion to the current collector. Understanding both the chemical composition and thermal behavior of PVDF is incredibly important for predicting performance, especially under the harsh conditions of a lithium-ion battery. This application note describes how FT-IR spectroscopy provides a fast and easy method for the identification of PVDF through the PerkinElmer Spectrum Two. DSC and TGA allows users to obtain information on the thermal behavior of battery components, providing valuable insight into how a material might react to changing conditions within a cell.