Halide Solid Electrolyte Cathode Material for High-Voltage Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery technologies face inefficiencies in charge and discharge processes, particularly when the average discharge potential of the positive electrode active material exceeds the redox potential of Li metal by 3.7 V, leading to decreased charge and discharge efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A positive electrode material comprising a mixture of a positive electrode active material and a first solid electrolyte material, specifically a halide compound represented by Li a Me b Y c X 6, where a + mb + 3c = 6 and c > 0, with Me being certain metal elements or their mixtures, and X being Cl, Br, or I, forming a stable interface that enhances ionic electrical conductivity and reduces interface resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the average discharge potential of the positive electrode active material is increased beyond 3.7 V above the redox potential of Li metal, then the energy density and voltage of the battery is improved, but the charge and discharge efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery voltageVSAvoidcharge and discharge efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A solid electrolyte layer comprising a halide compound (Li a Me b Y c X 6) is introduced as an intermediary between the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode. This intermediary layer facilitates efficient ion transport even at high discharge potentials, resolving the contradiction between achieving high voltage and maintaining charge-discharge efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using a specific halide compound formula (Li a Me b Y c X 6) with controlled stoichiometry (a + mb + 3c = 6, c > 0). This parameter optimization enables the electrolyte to maintain low interface resistance and high ionic conductivity across a wide voltage range, allowing efficient operation at discharge potentials exceeding 3.7 V.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a sulfide solid electrolyte is used in the battery, then the ionic conductivity is improved, but the interface resistance with the positive electrode active material increases at high discharge potentials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidinterface resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite halide compound (Li a Me b Y c X 6) combining lithium with multiple metal elements (Me) and halogen (X). This composite material structure provides both high ionic conductivity and low interface resistance with the positive electrode active material, overcoming the limitations of sulfide solid electrolytes at high discharge potentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the compositional parameters of the solid electrolyte by controlling the ratios of Li, Me, Y, and X in the formula Li a Me b Y c X 6. This parameter optimization creates a material with balanced properties: high ionic conductivity for reliable performance and low interface resistance for efficient operation at high discharge potentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration significantly improves the charge and discharge efficiency of batteries by increasing the rate of utilization of the active material and reducing interface resistance, maintaining high efficiency even at elevated discharge potentials.

Implementation Method 1

a first solid electrolyte material, specifically a halide compound represented by Li a Me b Y c X 6... forming a stable interface that enhances ionic electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

forming a stable interface that enhances ionic electrical conductivity and reduces interface resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterface resistance reduction: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

A positive electrode material for a battery... the charge and discharge efficiency of a battery can be improved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3736891B1Positive electrode material and battery
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3736891B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3A
  • EP3736891B1 patent drawingFigure 3B
  • EP3736891B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The positive electrode material according to an aspect of the present disclosure contains a positive electrode active material and a first solid electrolyte material. The first solid electrolyte material contains Li, M, and X; M at least contains either a metal element other than Li or a semimetal element; and X is at least one selected from the group consisting of CI, Br, and I.