Garnet Electrolyte Parameter Optimization for Low-Temperature Sintering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Garnet-type ion conductive oxides used in batteries face challenges with low-temperature sintering, leading to insufficient grain boundary resistance reduction and lithium ion conduction property improvement.
Innovation Solution
A lithium composite metal oxide electrolyte with a crystalline first portion and an amorphous second portion, specifically (Li7−3xGax)(La3−yNdy)Zr2O12, where x and y are within certain ranges, is used, along with a method involving multiple heating treatments to form a composite body with improved ion conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If low-temperature firing is performed using conventional garnet-type ion conductive oxide, then energy consumption is reduced, but grain boundary resistance remains high and lithium ion conduction property is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the substitution amounts of gallium (x) and neodymium (y) in the compositional formula (Li7−3xGax)(La3−yNdy)Zr2O12, where 0.1≤x≤1.0 and 0.01≤y≤0.2. This compositional parameter optimization enables sufficient sintering at lower temperatures while achieving low grain boundary resistance and high lithium ion conduction property, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and performance maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining multiple substituted elements (gallium, neodymium, calcium) within the garnet-type crystal structure. This composite approach at the atomic level produces synergistic effects that enable both low-temperature sintering and high ion conductivity, allowing the electrolyte to achieve excellent performance without requiring high firing temperatures.
2Ease of manufacture
If low-temperature firing is performed using conventional garnet-type ion conductive oxide, then production cost is reduced, but grain boundary resistance remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves manufacturing precision in grain boundary resistance by optimizing the compositional parameters x and y within specific ranges. This precise parameter control ensures consistent sintering behavior and grain boundary properties at lower firing temperatures, enabling reliable manufacturing without compromising quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific compositional regions at grain boundaries through controlled substitution. The gallium and neodymium substitution creates localized compositional variations that specifically improve grain boundary properties, enabling low resistance at boundaries while maintaining overall material integrity at lower firing temperatures.
3Reliability
If higher firing temperature is used to improve lithium ion conduction property, then ion conductivity increases, but energy consumption and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the compositional parameters of the electrolyte material to achieve high lithium ion conduction property at lower firing temperatures. By optimizing the substitution amounts of gallium (x) and neodymium (y), the material achieves excellent ion conductivity without requiring high energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes compositional parameters to reduce production cost by enabling lower firing temperatures. The specific substitution ranges of gallium and neodymium create a material that sinters effectively at reduced temperatures, decreasing energy consumption and associated production costs while maintaining high lithium ion conduction property.
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 decreases grain boundary resistance and enhances lithium ion conduction properties, even at lower firing temperatures, resulting in improved charge-discharge characteristics and increased battery capacity.
Implementation Method 1
lithium ion conduction property
Implementation Method 2
sintering
Data Source
AI summary
A composite body includes an electrolyte which contains Li, La, Zr, O, and Ga; and an active material coated with barium titanate (BaTiO3) or lithium niobate (LiNbO3).