Argyrodite Sulfide Solid Electrolyte for Adhesion and Li-Ion Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sulfide solid electrolytes with an argyrodite crystal structure face challenges in achieving good lithium ion conductivity due to brittleness and poor adhesion, requiring high pressure for compaction which can lead to a decrease in conductivity when binders are added to compensate for strength.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sulfur in the form of S8 molecules within the argyrodite crystal structure to create a softer and more uniform crystal, improving adhesion and lithium ion conductivity without the need for high pressure or excessive binders, characterized by specific Raman spectroscopy and DSC curve features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a relatively large pressure is applied to improve lithium ion conductivity by sufficiently adhering the powder, then adhesion is improved, but the green compact becomes brittle and requires binders which reduce lithium ion conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidlithium ion conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the sulfide solid electrolyte by incorporating S8 molecules and controlling the ratio of fast ion conductor phase to skeleton phase within 90:10 to 50:50 by mass. This compositional parameter change modifies the material's inherent properties to achieve both good adhesion and high lithium ion conductivity without requiring high pressure or excessive binders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite sulfide solid electrolyte material consisting of two phases: a fast ion conductor phase (providing lithium ion conductivity) and a skeleton phase (providing structural stability). This composite structure at the micro-level allows the material to simultaneously exhibit good adhesion properties and high ionic conductivity, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the addition amount of binder increases to compensate for brittleness, then strength is improved, but the proportion of sulfide solid electrolyte decreases and lithium ion conductivity may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegreen compact strengthVSAvoidlithium ion conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sulfide solid electrolyte material serves itself by having intrinsic properties that provide both structural integrity and ionic conductivity. The dual-phase composition enables the material to self-support without requiring external binders, or with minimal binder addition, thus maintaining high lithium ion conductivity while achieving sufficient strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If high pressure is applied to process the powder into a green compact, then adhesion is improved, but the processing complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the compositional parameters to include S8 molecules and optimize the phase ratio, the material's processability is improved. This allows green compacts to be formed at lower pressures with simpler processing equipment and reduced energy consumption, while still achieving the required adhesion and conductivity performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach results in a sulfide solid electrolyte with enhanced adhesion and lithium ion conductivity, allowing for the production of a green compact with improved battery characteristics and reduced brittleness, while maintaining a high proportion of sulfide solid electrolyte in the compact.

Implementation Method 1

the sulfide solid electrolyte has a peak in at least one selected from the group consisting of 140 cm−1 to 170 cm−1, 205 cm−1 to 235 cm−1, and 460 cm−1 to 490 cm−1 in a Raman spectrum obtained by Raman spectroscopy measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRaman spectroscopy:

Implementation Method 2

the sulfide solid electrolyte does not have an endothermic peak within a range of 70° C. to 160° C. in a DSC curve obtained by differential scanning calorimetry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential scanning calorimetry: Calorimetry

Data Source

PatentUS20240055653A1Sulfide based solid electrolyte, solid electrolyte layer, and lithium ion secondary battery
Publication Date: 2024.02.15 AGC INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a sulfide solid electrolyte to be used in a lithium-ion secondary battery, including an argyrodite crystal structure including Li, P, S, and Ha, in which Ha is at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I, the sulfide solid electrolyte has a peak in at least one selected from the group consisting of 140 cm−1 to 170 cm−1, 205 cm−1 to 235 cm−1, and 460 cm−1 to 490 cm−1 in a Raman spectrum obtained by Raman spectroscopy measurement, and the sulfide solid electrolyte does not have an endothermic peak within a range of 70° C. to 160° C. in a DSC curve obtained by differential scanning calorimetry.