Argyrodite Solid-State Electrolyte Synthesis With Scalable Phase Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthesis methods for argyrodite type Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) solid-state electrolytes are expensive, energy-intensive, and difficult to scale up, posing challenges for industrial adoption due to the use of costly raw materials like Li2S and phase purity issues.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-reagent based process at 80° C. to 120° C. is used to form a precipitate of Li7-xPS6-xYx (where Y is Cl, Br, or I) by contacting a lithium source with a phosphorus source in a solvent-reagent SyYw, followed by collection and optional densification, which can be scaled up and uses cost-effective materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current solid-state and solution synthesis methods are used for LPSCl, then phase purity can be achieved, but the process becomes expensive and difficult to scale up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the synthesis parameters by using a solvent-reagent system at moderate temperatures (80-120°C) instead of traditional high-temperature solid-state methods. This parameter change enables both high phase purity and industrial scalability by controlling precipitation kinetics and using earth-abundant raw materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive raw materials like Li2S with cheaper alternatives such as LiCl and elemental sulfur. The solvent-reagent system is designed to be cost-effective and easily replaceable, enabling large-scale production without prohibitive material costs
2Manufacturing precision
If expensive raw materials like Li2S are used in synthesis, then phase purity is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes expensive Li2S with inexpensive LiCl and sulfur, which are earth-abundant and cost-effective. The solvent-reagent system facilitates this substitution while maintaining product purity through controlled precipitation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the synthesis route by using a solvent-mediated precipitation process instead of direct solid-state reaction. This allows the use of cheaper raw materials while achieving the same phase purity through controlled crystallization
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional synthesis methods are used, then material quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dramatically reduces the energy parameter by conducting synthesis at moderate temperatures (80-120°C) compared to traditional high-temperature solid-state methods. The solvent-reagent system enables this low-energy pathway while maintaining material quality through controlled precipitation and crystallization
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 method enables the production of high-quality argyrodite electrolytes with improved scalability and reduced costs, utilizing earth-abundant elements and avoiding phase purity challenges, making them suitable for solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a lithium source with a phosphorus source in a solvent-reagent at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 120° C. to form a precipitate that includes Li7-xPS6-xYx
Implementation Method 2
form a precipitate that includes Li7-xPS6-xYx
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is to processes for the preparation of argyrodite type materials, use of such argyrodite type materials in synthesis of solid-state electrolytes, and inclusion in secondary rechargeable batteries such as lithium ion batteries (LIBs), solid state batteries (SSBs), and/or lithium metal batteries (LMBs). For example, in an aspect the present disclosure provides a process that includes contacting a lithium source with a phosphorus source in a solvent-reagent at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 120° C. to form a precipitate comprising the Li7-xPS6-xYx (where Y is Cl, Br, or I, and 0<x<2) and a supernate, and then collecting the precipitate. The solvent-reagent includes SyYw where y≥1, Y is as discussed previously (Y is Cl, Br, or I), and 0<w≤2.