Solid-State Electrolyte Plasma Processing for Li2CO3 Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing Li2CO3 from lithium-ion solid-state electrolyte materials are inefficient, often requiring mechanical polishing or high-temperature treatments that can damage thin films and are not scalable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving exposure of lithium-ion solid-state electrolyte materials to an atmospheric plasma discharge, followed by termination of the plasma exposure, effectively removes Li2CO3 and improves material performance. This method includes using a shroud with a shroud gas injection to enhance surface reactions and prevent side reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical polishing or grinding is used to remove Li2CO3, then Li2CO3 removal is achieved, but defects and damage to thin films are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical polishing/grinding with atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. The plasma uses reactive species and ion bombardment to chemically remove Li2CO3 from the electrolyte surface without the mechanical contact that causes thin film damage, thus maintaining both removal effectiveness and film integrity
2Reliability
If high-temperature treatment is used for Li2CO3 removal, then Li2CO3 is removed, but processing time increases to multiple hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters from high temperature (multiple hours) to atmospheric pressure plasma conditions (room temperature to moderate temperature, minutes). The plasma generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that rapidly decompose Li2CO3 through chemical reactions, achieving the same removal effectiveness in dramatically reduced time
3Reliability
If high-temperature treatment is used for Li2CO3 removal, then Li2CO3 is removed, but processing in inert or vacuum environment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses atmospheric pressure plasma that operates in ambient air rather than requiring vacuum or inert gas environments. The plasma source generates a localized reaction zone where reactive species are confined, allowing Li2CO3 removal to proceed efficiently in open air without complex vacuum chambers or inert gas handling systems
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 method achieves significant reduction in interfacial resistance and improvement in conductivity of the solid-state electrolyte, making it suitable for scalable processing and application in solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
exposing a lithium-ion solid-state electrolyte material to an atmospheric plasma discharge for an exposure period, thereby removing Li2CO3
Implementation Method 2
atmospheric plasma discharge comprises corona discharges, atmospheric pressure glow discharges, dielectric barrier discharges, and blown arc discharges
Implementation Method 3
flowing a shroud gas over the material after terminating the plasma discharge exposure, thereby cooling the material and decreasing side reactions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure encompasses methods of processing solid state electrolytes and compositions thereof.