Halogen-Substituted Solid Electrolyte for Stable Lithium-Air Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium-air batteries face instability and reduced ionic conductivity due to exposure to strong bases like lithium hydroxide and moisture, which affects their performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A solid electrolyte composed of a compound represented by Formula 1 (LixM1(2-y)M2y(PO4-zXz)3, where M1 is a tetravalent element, M2 is a monovalent, divalent, trivalent, or pentavalent element, and X is a halogen or pseudohalogen, is developed, which maintains stability and conductivity even under strong basic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the solid electrolyte is exposed to strongly basic conditions like lithium hydroxide, then the battery can function, but the ionic conductivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capability in basic conditionsVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters within Formula 1, specifically controlling the ratios of M1, M2, and X elements through parameters y and z. This parameter optimization enables the electrolyte to adapt to strongly basic conditions while maintaining high ionic conductivity, achieving both operational capability and performance retention in challenging environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces halogen atoms or pseudohalogens (X) at specific local positions within the phosphate structure (substituting for O in PO4 groups), creating localized regions with enhanced chemical resistance and conductivity properties. This local modification approach allows the electrolyte to maintain overall structural stability while providing localized protection against strong base attack and preserving ionic conduction pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solid electrolyte exhibits improved phase stability and ionic conductivity retention, allowing for enhanced performance and durability of lithium-air batteries in humid and basic environments.

Implementation Method 1

the ionic conductivity under strongly basic conditions, like in lithium hydroxide, is reduced relative to in an acid, for example. Therefore, there is a need for improved battery materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

thermally treating the precursor mixture to prepare a solid electrolyte comprising a compound represented by Formula 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS11742515B2Solid electrolyte, preparation method thereof, lithium-air battery including the solid electrolyte, and electrochemical device including the solid electrolyte

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A solid electrolyte including: a compound represented by Formula 1,LixM12−yM2y(PO4−zXz)3 Formula 1wherein, in Formula 1, M1 is a tetravalent element,M2 is a monovalent element, a divalent element, a trivalent element, a tetravalent element, a pentavalent element, a hexavalent element, or a combination thereof,X is a halogen atom, a pseudohalogen, or a combination thereof,0<x<8, 0≤y<1, and 0<z<4.