Lithium-Stuffed Garnet Electrolytes With Low-Defect Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid electrolytes for rechargeable Li+ ion batteries suffer from defects, pores, and uneven surfaces, leading to lithium dendrite formation and insufficient conductivity, which hinders their commercial application, particularly in automotive requirements.
Innovation Solution
A lithium-stuffed garnet oxide separator with reduced surface defect density is developed, fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS) and surface reflow heat treatment, resulting in a thin film with improved homogeneity and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If conventional solid electrolytes are used, then battery weight and volume are reduced, but defects and surface irregularities lead to lithium dendrite formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-structure electrolyte where the bulk material provides high conductivity while the surface layer provides defect-free morphology. The surface is selectively treated to eliminate defects without altering the bulk composition, allowing each region to optimize its function for the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte undergoes preliminary surface treatment during fabrication to prevent defect formation before the battery operates. The surface is pre-conditioned through controlled sintering and coating processes to ensure a defect-free interface with the lithium electrode, preventing dendrite initiation from the outset.
2Weight of stationary object
If conventional solid electrolytes are used, then battery weight and volume are reduced, but surface defects and pores lead to insufficient conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-structure electrolyte where the bulk material provides high conductivity while the surface layer provides defect-free morphology. The surface is selectively treated to eliminate defects without altering the bulk composition, allowing each region to optimize its function for the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling sintering temperature, pressure, and atmosphere to transform the surface morphology from defective to defect-free. The surface treatment parameters are optimized to eliminate pores and irregularities while maintaining the bulk material's high ionic conductivity properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If solid electrolytes with defects are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but lithium dendrites form at useful charge rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a dual-structure electrolyte where the bulk material provides high conductivity while the surface layer provides defect-free morphology. The surface is selectively treated to eliminate defects without altering the bulk composition, allowing each region to optimize its function for the overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte undergoes preliminary surface treatment during fabrication to prevent defect formation before the battery operates. The surface is pre-conditioned through controlled sintering and coating processes to ensure a defect-free interface with the lithium electrode, preventing dendrite initiation from the outset.
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 solution effectively prevents lithium dendrite formation at high charge rates, meeting commercial automotive requirements by enhancing the conductivity and surface quality of the solid electrolyte, thereby improving the performance and safety of Li+ ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS)
Implementation Method 2
surface reflow heat treatment
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein relates to rechargeable batteries and solid electrolytes therefore which include lithium-stuffed garnet oxides, for example, in a thin film, pellet, or monolith format wherein the density of defects at a surface or surfaces of the solid electrolyte is less than the density of defects in the bulk. In certain disclosed embodiments, the solid-state anolyte, electrolyte, and catholyte thin films, separators, and monoliths consist essentially of an oxide that conducts Li+ ions. In some examples, the disclosure herein presents new and useful solid electrolytes for solid-state or partially solid-state batteries. In some examples, the disclosure presents new lithium-stuffed garnet solid electrolytes and rechargeable batteries which include these electrolytes as separators between a cathode and a lithium metal anode.