Cocrystalline Metallic Compounds for Solid-State Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state electrolytes, such as those with perovskite structures, face limitations in ion diffusibility and electron conductivity due to spatial hindrances in spinel or olivine structures, and methods to enhance conductivity, like adding conductive materials, are costly and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A cocrystalline composite material with a general formula AxMO4-yXOy.M′O is manufactured by reacting metal particles with phosphate- or arsenate-containing compounds, followed by alkalinization and calcination in an inert gas, to create a nano-scale particle mixture that enhances ion diffusibility and electron conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid-state electrolytes with perovskite or spinel structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but ion diffusibility and electron conductivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrolyte material into a composite system consisting of perovskite-phase calcium manganate (CaMnO3) as the base structure and nanoscale secondary phases (such as CaO, MnO, or other metal oxides) dispersed within it. This segmentation creates multiple pathways for ion transport while maintaining the structural stability of the perovskite matrix, thereby improving ion diffusibility without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite materials by combining perovskite-phase calcium manganate with nanoscale secondary phases (CaO, MnO, or other metal oxides). This composite structure leverages the structural stability of the perovskite matrix while the dispersed nanophases provide additional conduction pathways, simultaneously achieving high structural stability and improved ion/electron conductivity.
2Reliability
If conductive materials are added to enhance conductivity, then electron conductivity is improved, but production cost increases and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent conductivity characteristics of the perovskite-phase calcium manganate itself, along with the secondary phases formed during calcination (such as CaO and MnO), to provide electron conductivity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for adding external conductive materials like carbon black or metallic powders, thereby reducing production costs and avoiding environmental pollution from pyrolysis of organic conductive additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inexpensive metal oxides (CaO, MnO, or other common metal oxides) as secondary phases that form during the calcination process. These materials are cheap, readily available, and do not require complex processing or disposal procedures, making the manufacturing process simpler and more environmentally friendly compared to using expensive organic conductive additives that require pyrolysis and generate harmful emissions.
3Reliability
If organic conductive materials are pyrolyzed to enhance conductivity, then electron conductivity is improved, but environmental pollution and harmful gas production occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using organic conductive materials that require pyrolysis (a harmful process producing alkane, alkene gases and other pollutants), the patent converts the calcination process into a beneficial one by using inorganic metal oxides (CaO, MnO, or other metal oxides) as secondary phases. These inorganic materials form during calcination without producing harmful emissions, and they provide the necessary electron conductivity through their inherent properties and interfaces with the perovskite matrix.
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 process results in a material with improved electrochemical redox active properties, minimizing environmental pollution and maintaining structural stability with excellent electrochemical reversibility and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a metal particle with a phosphate- or arsenate-containing compound to prepare a metallic compound MO4-yXOy
Implementation Method 2
calcining the precursor in the presence of an inert gas to form a cocrystalline composite material
Implementation Method 3
drying the solution into a precursor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes an electrochemical redox active material. The electrochemical redox active material includes a cocrystalline metallic compound having a general formula AxMO4-yXOy.M′O, where A is at least one metallic element selected from a group consisting of alkali metals, M and M′ may be identical or different and independently of one another at least one selected from a group consisting of transition metals and semimetals, X is P or As, 0.9≦̸x≦̸1.1, and 0<y<4.