Glass-Ceramic Solid Electrolyte for Safe Lithium-Ion Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current batteries face issues such as electrolyte leakage and thermal runaway, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, and there is a need for solid electrolytes with high lithium ion conductivity to replace traditional liquid electrolytes.
Innovation Solution
A glass-ceramic material containing lithium (Li), silicon (Si), and boron (B) with specific X-ray diffraction spectra is developed for use in batteries, enhancing ionic conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in batteries, then battery performance can be maintained, but electrolyte leakage and thermal runaway occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by developing glass-ceramic materials with specific compositional parameters (Li2O: 40-73 mol%, SiO2: 8-40 mol%, B2O3: 10-50 mol%). This phase change eliminates leakage risks while the crystalline structure provides thermal stability against runaway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite glass-ceramic material combining amorphous glass matrix with crystalline phases. The glass matrix provides flexibility and ion transport pathways, while the crystalline phases (indicated by XRD peaks) provide structural stability and high lithium ion conductivity, achieving both safety and performance
2Reliability
If solid electrolytes are used to eliminate leakage, then battery safety improves, but lithium ion conductivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes compositional parameters within specific ranges to achieve high ionic conductivity in solid electrolytes. The Li2O content (40-73 mol%) provides sufficient lithium ions for conduction, while SiO2 and B2O3 form a glass network that facilitates ion transport. The resulting material achieves conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes while maintaining solid-state safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled phase transition from amorphous glass to crystalline glass-ceramic structure through heat treatment. This phase transition creates ordered pathways for lithium ion transport while maintaining the solid-state form, achieving high conductivity without sacrificing safety
3Quantity of substance
If glass-ceramic material is developed with specific composition, then ionic conductivity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific compositional ranges for Li2O, SiO2, and B2O3 that can be achieved through conventional ceramic processing. By specifying mol% ranges rather than exact compositions, the patent allows for manufacturing tolerance while ensuring high ionic conductivity. The composition parameters are optimized to be attainable through standard mixing and firing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a two-stage thermal process: initial glass formation followed by controlled crystallization. This phase transition approach uses standard ceramic processing techniques (melting, cooling, heat treatment) rather than requiring advanced manufacturing equipment, making the complex glass-ceramic structure achievable through conventional industrial processes
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 glass-ceramic material improves ionic conductivity and stability, reducing the risk of leakage and thermal runaway, while enabling high energy density batteries with improved charge-discharge characteristics and cycle performance.
Implementation Method 1
there has been a demand for solid electrolytes having high lithium ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
having an X-ray diffraction spectrum with two or more peaks appearing in the range 20° ≤ 2θ ≤ 25° and with two or more peaks appearing in the range 25° ≤ 2θ ≤ 30°
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A glass-ceramic includes an oxide containing lithium (Li), silicon (Si), and boron (B) and has an X-ray diffraction spectrum with two or more peaks appearing in the range 20° ≤ 2θ ≤ 25° and with two or more peaks appearing in the range 25° < 2θ ≤ 30°.