Li-Al-P-O Solid Electrolytes for Conductive Stable Li-Metal Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state lithium-ion batteries face challenges with sulfide-based materials' safety and electrochemical instability, and oxide materials have lower ionic conductivities, limiting the development of cost-effective, high-stability solid electrolytes for all-solid-state Li-metal batteries.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel lithium-containing oxides within the Li—Al—P—O chemical space using a machine learning-based crystal structure prediction algorithm, including compositions like Li7-zAl4P9O32, Li1-zAl3(P3O10)2, Li3-zAl3(PO4)4, Li3-zAl2(PO4)3, and Li7-zAl3(P2O7)4, which are used as solid electrolytes or electrode coatings, offering high conductivity and aqueous stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes are used, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but safety and electrochemical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining lithium phosphate, aluminum oxide, and other oxides in specific ratios to create a solid-state electrolyte that achieves both high ionic conductivity and improved safety. The composite structure allows the material to benefit from the high conductivity of sulfide-like structures while incorporating oxide components that provide chemical stability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies the compositional parameters (ratios of Li3PO4, Al2O3, and other components) to optimize the balance between ionic conductivity and stability. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves superior performance compared to conventional sulfide electrolytes while maintaining safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oxide-based solid-state electrolytes are used, then safety and electrochemical stability are improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite oxide electrolyte system that combines multiple oxide components (Li3PO4, Al2O3, Li2SiO3, etc.) to achieve high ionic conductivity while maintaining the inherent safety and stability of oxide materials. The synergistic interaction between components enables conductivity levels previously unattainable in oxide electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local structural modifications within the oxide matrix, such as creating specific phases or regions with enhanced ionic transport pathways, while maintaining the overall oxide composition that ensures safety and stability. This local optimization allows high conductivity without compromising the bulk material's stability.
3Reliability
If conventional solid-state electrolytes are used, then electrochemical stability is achieved, but cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available starting materials such as lithium phosphate, aluminum oxide, and common oxides that can be procured at low cost. These materials undergo simple thermal processing to form the final electrolyte, avoiding the need for expensive rare earth elements or complex synthesis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes processing parameters including sintering temperature, time, and atmosphere to achieve high-quality electrolytes through simple, scalable processes. The compositional design allows for straightforward manufacturing with minimal equipment requirements, reducing both capital and operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium-containing oxide has one of the following parent compositions: Li7-zAl4P9O32 (z ranges from −1 to 1), Li1-zAl3(P3O10)2 (z ranges from −0.5 to 0.5), Li3-zAl3(PO4)4 (z ranges from −1 to 1), Li3-zAl2(PO4)3 (z ranges from −1 to 1), Li7-zAl3(P2O7)4 (z ranges from −1 to 1), Li3-zAl(PO4)2 (z ranges from −1 to 1). A lithium solid-state battery includes an anode, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte, wherein the solid electrolyte includes the aforementioned lithium-containing oxide. Also, a solid-state battery includes an anode, a cathode, and a solid electrolyte, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode is coated with a coating which includes the aforementioned lithium-containing oxide.