Amorphous Lithium Niobate Coating for Fast Ion-Conductive Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing lithium niobate result in crystallization, which lowers lithium ion conductivity, and are time-consuming, increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a solution containing niobium and lithium ions, drying it to form a precursor, and heating it at 250° C. to 300° C. for 10 minutes or less to produce amorphous lithium niobate with high lithium ion conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lithium niobate precursor is heated for a long time (5 hours) to ensure complete reaction, then the crystallization of amorphous lithium niobate is promoted, but the lithium ion conductivity is lowered due to crystal phase formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the heating temperature parameter to a specific range (250-300°C) that allows the lithium niobate precursor to form amorphous phase without crystallizing, even after extended heating periods. This temperature parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by enabling complete reaction and amorphous phase formation simultaneously, achieving high lithium ion conductivity without the time-crystallization trade-off
2Productivity
If the heating temperature is increased to accelerate the reaction, then the production time is reduced, but the crystallization of lithium niobate is promoted, lowering lithium ion conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and applies a specific heating temperature range (250-300°C) that acts as an optimal parameter window. Within this range, the reaction proceeds at sufficient speed for practical production while simultaneously suppressing crystal phase formation. This parameter optimization resolves the productivity-conductivity contradiction by finding the temperature sweet spot where both goals are achieved
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating methods are used to ensure complete reaction, then the reaction is thorough, but the production time is excessively long (5 hours) and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature parameter optimization (250-300°C range) that fundamentally changes the reaction kinetics, enabling complete reaction to occur within 10 minutes or less. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the reaction both complete and rapid, eliminating the need for prolonged heating while ensuring thorough reaction completion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach suppresses crystallization, enhances lithium ion conductivity, and reduces production time and costs, while maintaining desired conductivity levels.
Implementation Method 1
heating the lithium niobate precursor at a temperature of from 250° C. to 300° C. for a heating time of more than 0 minute and 10 minutes or less
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium niobate with high lithium ion conductivity. Disclosed is a method for producing a lithium niobate for use in a covering layer covering at least part of a surface of cathode active material particles, the method comprising: preparing a solution containing niobium ions and lithium ions, drying the solution to obtain a lithium niobate precursor, and heating the lithium niobate precursor at a temperature of from 250° C. to 300° C. for a heating time of more than 0 minute and 10 minutes or less.