Composite Inorganic Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Solid-State Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature processing of solid-state electrolytes for lithium batteries degrades electrode active materials and increases fabrication costs, making scalable production challenging.
Innovation Solution
A composite solid-state electrolyte is developed by dispersing a high ionic conductivity second inorganic solid electrolyte in a first inorganic solid electrolyte with a lower melting temperature, allowing for low-temperature processing to create a dense and pinhole-free electrolyte with sufficient ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-temperature processing is used to create dense and pinhole-free SSE structures with sufficient ionic conductivity, then the ionic conductivity and structural integrity of the electrolyte are improved, but the electrode active materials are degraded and fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte structure consisting of a ceramic SSE layer (providing high ionic conductivity and structural integrity) combined with a polymer electrolyte layer (enabling low-temperature processing). This composite approach allows the system to achieve the density and pinhole-free structure necessary for high ionic conductivity without requiring temperatures that would degrade electrode materials. The ceramic-polymer combination synergistically provides both the structural stability and processing advantages needed to resolve the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures (800°C or higher) to low temperatures (below 200°C) by introducing a polymer electrolyte component. This parameter change is enabled by the composite structure, where the polymer matrix allows for low-temperature formation of a dense, pinhole-free structure while the ceramic phase maintains sufficient ionic conductivity. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between achieving high ionic conductivity and avoiding material degradation.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-temperature processing is used to create intimate contact between the electrolyte and cathode electrode material, then the interfacial contact is improved, but the conductive agents are burned and fabrication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer electrolyte component in the composite structure serves as a flexible matrix that can conform to the cathode electrode material surface at low temperatures, creating intimate interfacial contact without requiring high-temperature processing. This polymer-ceramic composite enables precise interfacial contact formation while avoiding the combustion of conductive agents and reducing fabrication costs associated with high-temperature equipment and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a polymer electrolyte that can be applied as a coating or thin layer that conforms to the electrode surface at low temperatures. This polymer component acts as a low-cost, easily processable material that provides intimate contact without the need for expensive high-temperature processing equipment and energy inputs, thereby reducing fabrication costs while achieving good interfacial contact.
3Reliability
If high-temperature processing is used to process SSEs, then the structural density and ionic conductivity are improved, but the scalability and cost-effectiveness for industrial production are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the processing temperature parameter from 800°C or higher to below 200°C by incorporating a polymer electrolyte into the composite structure. This low-temperature processing enables the use of simpler, more scalable manufacturing techniques that are cost-effective for industrial production while still achieving sufficient structural density and ionic conductivity through the composite ceramic-polymer architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines a ceramic SSE phase (providing structural density and ionic conductivity) with a polymer electrolyte phase (enabling low-temperature processing). This composite approach allows industrial-scale production using cost-effective, low-temperature techniques while maintaining the structural integrity and performance requirements, thereby improving scalability and productivity without sacrificing reliability.
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 approach enables stable electrochemical cycling and cost-effective production of lithium batteries without degrading electrode materials, achieving high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability at lower temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a first inorganic solid electrolyte with a lower melting temperature, allowing for low-temperature processing to create a dense and pinhole-free electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
When a solid-state lithium battery is charged, lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode via diffusion through the SSE
Implementation Method 3
During discharging, lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode via diffusion through the SSE
Data Source
AI summary
A solid electrolyte includes a first inorganic solid electrolyte and a second inorganic electrolyte. The first inorganic electrolyte has a formula of Li3−yHyOX, where X is at least one halogen and 0<y≤1. The second inorganic solid electrolyte has an ionic conductivity greater than 0.01 mS/cm. The second inorganic solid electrolyte is dispersed in the first inorganic solid electrolyte, forming a composite inorganic solid electrolyte.