Thiophilic Metal-Doped Argyrodite Electrolytes With Low H2S Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid electrolytes for secondary batteries face challenges such as low conductivities and poor electrochemical stability, which limit their application in lithium ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
Development of argyrodite-type compositions doped with small amounts of thiophilic metals, which enhance ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability while minimizing hydrogen sulfide release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid electrolytes are used in lithium ion batteries, then safety is improved (less flammable), but ionic conductivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of solid electrolytes by incorporating sulfide-based materials (such as Li2S-P2S5 systems) and doping with alkali metal halides to achieve optimal ionic conductivity while maintaining solid-state safety advantages. This compositional parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between safety and conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite solid electrolyte systems combining multiple sulfide-based compounds (e.g., Li2S, P2S5, Li3PO4) with dopants like LiCl, LiBr, or LiI to create a composite material that achieves both high ionic conductivity and the inherent safety benefits of solid electrolytes.
2Reliability
If solid electrolytes are used in lithium ion batteries, then electrochemical stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary doping of sulfide-based electrolyte precursors with alkali metal halides before final sintering, which pre-establishes the desired crystal structure and ionic conductivity pathways. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process by reducing the need for complex post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes sintering temperature and time parameters for sulfide-based electrolytes to achieve complete densification and phase formation at relatively low temperatures (below 1000°C), thereby simplifying manufacturing equipment requirements while maintaining electrochemical stability.
3Reliability
If conventional solid electrolytes are used, then safety is improved, but H2S release occurs reducing electrochemical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of sulfur-containing materials by carefully selecting sulfide-based compositions (such as Li2S-P2S5 systems) that form stable sulfide phases resistant to hydrolysis. The sulfur that could potentially release H2S is instead locked in stable crystal structures, transforming a harmful property into a beneficial high-ion-conductivity feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an chemically inert environment within the solid electrolyte structure by forming stable sulfide phases that do not react with moisture or air, thereby preventing H2S release while maintaining the safety advantages of solid electrolytes.
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 thiophilic metal-doped argyrodite compositions achieve high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, effectively addressing the limitations of solid electrolytes in lithium ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
doped with a thiophilic element. The thiophilic element may be a thiophilic metal selected from manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), and combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are solid materials that are ionically conductive and electrochemically stable. Embodiments of the solid materials are argyrodite-type compositions that have high ionic conductivity. The compositions include small amounts of thiophilic metals, whose binary sulfides do not react with water to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). As such, H2S release is minimized or eliminated. Also provided are methods of fabricating the materials and batteries and battery components containing the materials.