Laser-Vitrified Solid Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-lanthanum-zirconium oxide-based solid electrolytes in lithium metal batteries face challenges with insufficient ionic conductivity and high interfacial resistance with lithium metal negative electrodes, leading to lithium dendrite penetration and short circuits, especially at high current densities.
Innovation Solution
A solid electrolyte with a lithium ion inorganic conductive layer and an amorphous phase formed by irradiating a laser beam onto the conductive layer, creating a patterned amorphous film that increases the surface area and reduces grain boundary interactions, thereby suppressing lithium ion penetration and dendrite growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a lithium ion inorganic conductive layer is used as solid electrolyte, then thermal stability is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates due to high interfacial resistance with lithium metal negative electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of a crystalline lithium ion inorganic conductive layer and an amorphous phase formed by laser irradiation. This composite material combines the thermal stability of the crystalline structure with the high ionic conductivity of the amorphous phase, resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the surface layer from crystalline to amorphous through laser irradiation. This parameter change transforms the surface structure while maintaining the bulk crystalline structure, thereby improving ionic conductivity without sacrificing thermal stability.
2Productivity
If lithium metal battery is driven with high current density, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to lithium dendrite penetration at grain boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses laser irradiation to intentionally create an amorphous phase on the surface, converting the potentially harmful crystalline grain boundaries into a beneficial amorphous structure that prevents dendrite formation. This allows high current density operation without dendrite penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface structure from crystalline with grain boundaries to amorphous without grain boundaries. This parameter change eliminates the preferential paths for dendrite growth, enabling safe operation at high current densities.
3Reliability
If amorphous phase is formed on surface by laser irradiation, then ionic conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing step
Solution Approach 1:
The laser irradiation process performs multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the amorphous phase, creates surface activation, and modifies the surface morphology in a single step. This self-service approach improves ionic conductivity without requiring multiple separate processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-step mechanical or chemical surface treatment processes with a single laser irradiation step. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving the desired amorphous phase formation and surface activation.
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 enhances ionic conductivity, reduces interfacial resistance, and prevents short circuits, leading to improved battery performance and lifespan by increasing the activation area between the electrolyte and electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the lithium ion inorganic conductive layer with a laser beam to form an amorphous phase on a surface of the lithium ion inorganic conductive layer
Implementation Method 2
form an amorphous phase on a surface of the lithium ion inorganic conductive layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A solid electrolyte including: a lithium ion inorganic conductive layer; and an amorphous phase on a surface of the lithium ion inorganic conductive layer, wherein the amorphous phase is an irradiation product of the lithium ion inorganic conductive layer. Also, the method of preparing the same, and a lithium battery including the solid electrolyte.