Argyrodite Sulfide Electrolyte Composition for Higher Ionic Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sulfide-based solid electrolytes, such as those with partially substituted pentavalent P by tetravalent Ge, do not achieve optimal ionic conductivity, limiting the performance of all-solid lithium ion batteries.

Innovation Solution

A sulfide-based solid electrolyte with an argyrodite-type structure and a composition of Li8GeS5-xTe1+x, where −0.5≤x<0, 0<x≤0.375, is developed, allowing complete substitution of P with Ge and enhancing ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pentavalent P in argyrodite-type Li7PS6 is substituted with tetravalent Ge, then ionic conductivity is improved, but complete substitution cannot be achieved (only 35% substitution)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidsubstitution completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing tellurium (Te) into the argyrodite structure, creating a new composition formula Li8GeS5-xTe1+x. This parameter change enables complete substitution of P with Ge while maintaining structural stability and achieving high ionic conductivity, resolving the contradiction between substitution completeness and ionic conductivity improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If organic electrolytes are used in lithium ion batteries, then high energy density is achieved, but fire risk cannot be completely eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidfire risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the electrolyte from liquid/organic phase to solid inorganic phase by using sulfide-based solid electrolyte with argyrodite structure. This phase transition eliminates the fire risk associated with organic electrolytes while maintaining high ionic conductivity, thus resolving the contradiction between energy density and fire safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If more lithium ions are introduced to improve ionic conductivity, then lithium ion conductivity increases, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion conductivityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite solid electrolyte system by combining Ge, S, and Te elements in a specific argyrodite-type structure (Li8GeS5-xTe1+x). This composite material approach allows optimal lithium ion conductivity while maintaining structural stability through the synergistic arrangement of different elements in the crystal lattice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The improved ionic conductivity results in reduced voltage drop and increased battery capacity, especially at high rates, for all-solid lithium ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity are required to improve the characteristics of all-solid lithium ion batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12438185B2Sulfide-based solid electrolyte and all-solid lithium ion battery

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 JX ADVANCED METALS CORP

AI summary

Provided are sulfide-based solid electrolyte with good ionic conductivity and an all-solid lithium ion battery using the same. A sulfide-based solid electrolyte having an argyrodite-type structure, wherein a composition of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte is represented by the formula:Li8GeS5-xTe1+x in which: −0.5≤x<0, 0<x≤0.375.