Laves Mg2Cu Anionic Framework Solid Electrolyte for Safe Li-Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Li-ion batteries pose safety risks due to flammable organic solvents and dendrite formation, limiting their use in large-scale energy storage, and there is a need for solid Li-ion conductors with high conductivity and stability.
Innovation Solution
Development of composite solid-state lithium ion electrolytes with a Laves Mg2Cu-type anionic framework, incorporating lithium ion vacancies or interstitial sites, achieving conductivities of at least 10−4 S/cm and low activation energy, which are stable and suitable for use in lithium ion batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flammable organic solvents are used as electrolyte components, then Li-ion battery performance is achieved, but safety risk increases due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the electrolyte from liquid phase (flammable organic solvents) to solid phase (non-flammable solid Li-ion conductors). This phase transition eliminates the flammability hazard while maintaining ionic conductivity, directly resolving the safety contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solid Li-ion conductor materials that create an inert, non-flammable environment within the battery. These solid electrolytes do not support combustion and eliminate the fire risk associated with organic liquid electrolytes, thereby improving safety.
2Duration of action of moving object
If repeated discharge and charge cycles are performed, then battery operation is maintained, but dendritic lithium metal structures form projecting from anode to cathode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful dendrite formation mechanism by using solid Li-ion conductors that physically prevent the formation of dendritic lithium metal structures. The solid electrolyte matrix restricts lithium ion transport pathways, preventing dendrite growth that would otherwise occur in liquid electrolyte systems during repeated cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid Li-ion conductor acts as an intermediary medium between anode and cathode that mediates lithium ion transport while preventing direct electron transport and dendrite formation. This intermediary solid phase controls ion flow in a manner that avoids the harmful dendritic structures associated with liquid electrolytes.
3Reliability
If solid Li-ion conductors are developed to replace liquid electrolyte, then safety is improved, but Li+ conductivity needs to reach levels comparable to liquid phase electrolyte
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the solid electrolyte materials to achieve high Li+ conductivity. By modifying compositional parameters, creating lithium ion vacancies, and optimizing crystal structure parameters, the solid conductors achieve conductivities of at least 10^-4 S/cm, matching liquid electrolyte performance while maintaining safety advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite solid Li-ion conductor materials that combine multiple elements and structural features to achieve high ionic conductivity. These composite materials incorporate lithium ion vacancies and interstitial sites within complex anionic frameworks, enabling conductivity levels comparable to liquid electrolytes while maintaining solid-state safety benefits.
4Reliability
If new solid Li-ion conducting materials are discovered, then all solid state lithium battery can be achieved, but materials must have high conductivity and low activation energy simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes to optimize both conductivity and activation energy simultaneously. By adjusting compositional parameters, creating specific vacancy concentrations, and modifying crystal structure parameters, the solid electrolytes achieve high Li+ conductivity with low activation energy barriers, enabling efficient ion transport across a range of operating temperatures.
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 proposed solid-state lithium ion electrolytes provide enhanced safety, mechanical, and thermal stability, with high Li+ conductivity and low activation energy, facilitating the development of all-solid-state lithium batteries with improved performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A primary function of the solid Li-conductive phase, usually called solid Li-ion conductor or solid state electrolyte, is to conduct Li+ ions from the anode side to the cathode side during discharge and from the cathode side to the anode side during charge
Implementation Method 2
blocking the direct transport of electrons between electrodes within the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A series of solid-state lithium ion composite electrolytes is described. The composite materials have lithium ions in an anionic framework wherein the anionic framework has lithium ion vacancies or interstitial Li+ sites. The anionic framework lattice is isostructural to a Laves Mg2Cu lattice and the lithium ion (Li+) conductivity of the solid state lithium ion electrolyte is at least 10−4 S/cm. The activation energy for lithium ion migration in the solid state lithium ion electrolyte is 0.36 sV or less. Composites of specific formulae are provided.