Hybrid-Polymer Coated Sulfide Electrolyte for Moisture Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sulfide solid-state electrolytes exhibit low stability towards moisture and lithium, leading to undesirable decomposition products and increased interfacial resistance, necessitating dry processing and safety measures to prevent water/air contact.

Innovation Solution

A coated electrolyte material comprising sulfidic particulate lithium-ion conductive electrolyte material with a coating of inorganic-organic hybrid polymer, produced through crosslinking a crosslinkable precursor, providing protection against moisture and enhancing stability against lithium while maintaining high ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If sulfide solid-state electrolytes are used, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but stability toward moisture and lithium deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidstability toward moisture and lithium
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining sulfide electrolyte particles with a coating layer comprising inorganic-organic hybrid polymer. This composite structure allows the core sulfide material to provide high ionic conductivity while the outer coating layer provides stability toward moisture and lithium, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a thin coating layer (shell) of inorganic-organic hybrid polymer on the sulfide electrolyte particles. This flexible shell structure protects the inner sulfide material from environmental degradation while maintaining the overall functionality, allowing the system to achieve both high conductivity and improved stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If sulfide electrolytes are used, then ease of processing is improved, but chemical stability in humid air deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of processingVSAvoidchemical stability in humid air
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A thin protective coating layer is applied to the sulfide electrolyte particles, creating a barrier that prevents harmful interactions with humid air while preserving the ease of processing characteristics of the sulfide material. The coating acts as a protective shell that does not significantly impede manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The inorganic-organic hybrid polymer coating serves as an intermediary layer between the sulfide electrolyte and the humid air environment. This mediator prevents direct contact and harmful chemical reactions while allowing the sulfide material to maintain its processing advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If coating is applied to protect against moisture, then stability toward moisture is improved, but ionic conductivity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against moistureVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is applied in a controlled manner to provide local protection where needed, rather than creating a thick uniform layer that would impede ionic transport. The inorganic-organic hybrid polymer structure provides moisture protection at the particle surface while maintaining ion conductivity pathways through its specific molecular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the coating parameters including thickness, composition, and crosslinking degree to achieve the right balance between protection and conductivity. By controlling these parameters, the coating provides adequate moisture protection while maintaining sufficient ionic conductivity for battery operation.

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 coating significantly reduces hydrogen sulfide gas evolution, improves processability, and ensures stability against lithium, retaining high ionic conductivity and facilitating safer battery operation.

Implementation Method 1

a coated electrolyte material which comprises at least one sulfidic particulate lithium-ion conductive electrolyte material, which at least partially has at least one coating, that contains or consists of at least one inorganic-organic hybrid polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

the at least one inorganic-organic hybrid polymer can be produced (or is produced) (by means of crosslinking) from at least one crosslinkable precursor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3896770B1Coated electrolyte material, method for producing same and its use
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3896770B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3896770B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3896770B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coated electrolyte material comprising at least one sulfide particulate lithium-ion conductive electrolyte material, which has at least a portion of at least one coating containing or consisting of at least one specific inorganic-organic hybrid polymer. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the coated electrolyte material, a solid electrolyte comprising the coated electrolyte material, and an energy storage device comprising the solid electrolyte. The present invention also relates to the use of the coated electrolyte material, the solid electrolyte, and the energy storage device.