Halide Solid Electrolyte Processing for Uniform Ion Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing solid electrolytes result in compositional variations, leading to uneven ion conductivity, material degradation, and challenges in long-term use, especially when high current is applied for rapid charging and discharging in batteries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the synthesis, pulverization, and heat-treatment of a halide containing Li, M, and X, where M is a metalloid or metal element and X is a halogen, to suppress compositional variations and achieve a homogeneous solid electrolyte with improved ion conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional heat treatment method is used for producing solid electrolyte, then production process is simple, but compositional variations occur leading to uneven ion conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pulverization before heat treatment to break down compositional inhomogeneities in the raw materials. This preliminary mechanical processing ensures that the subsequent heat treatment can achieve uniform composition more effectively, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and process complexity by adding a simple preparatory step that enables better outcomes in the main process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the heat treatment temperature range (400-600°C) and duration (1-24 hours) to achieve compositional uniformity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the process transforms the raw material composition into a homogeneous solid electrolyte, improving manufacturing precision through parameter optimization without requiring complex equipment or procedures.
2Reliability
If compositional variations are present in solid electrolyte, then production is easier, but ion conductivity becomes uneven and material degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies the homogeneity principle by using pulverization to break down compositional inhomogeneities and heat treatment to distribute elements uniformly throughout the solid electrolyte. This creates a homogeneous material structure where M and X elements are evenly distributed, ensuring uniform ion conductivity and preventing material degradation, thereby achieving both reliability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely thermal processing with a combined mechanical-thermal approach. The mechanical pulverization step precedes the thermal heat treatment, substituting a simple mechanical process for what would otherwise require complex chemical or thermal control to achieve the same compositional uniformity. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall control requirements while improving reliability.
3Power
If high current is applied for rapid charging and discharging, then battery power output increases, but material degradation accelerates due to compositional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by eliminating compositional variations through pulverization and heat treatment before the battery is put into service. This preparatory treatment creates a robust, uniform solid electrolyte structure that can withstand the stresses of high current operation, cushioning against future material degradation and extending battery longevity while maintaining high power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the solid electrolyte composition (achieving uniform distribution of M and X elements) to fundamentally alter the material's resistance to degradation. By optimizing the compositional parameters through controlled heat treatment, the solid electrolyte gains enhanced stability and durability, enabling it to sustain high current loads over extended periods without degrading, thus resolving the power-longevity contradiction.
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 produces a solid electrolyte with reduced compositional variations, enhancing ion conductivity and preventing material degradation, thus improving the performance and longevity of batteries under high current conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heat treatment step, thereby suppressing compositional variations
Data Source
AI summary
A solid electrolyte of the present disclosure contains Li, M, and X, and, in the solid electrolyte, the coefficient of variation of the M content is 10 or less, and the coefficient of variation of the X content is 15 or less. A method for producing a solid electrolyte according to the present disclosure includes (A) synthesizing a halide containing Li, M, and X, (B) pulverizing the halide, and (C) heat-treating the halide, and the (A), the (B), and the (C) are performed in this order. Here, M is at least one selected from the group consisting of metalloids and metal elements other than Li, and X is at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I.