Li-La-B-O Solid Electrolytes for Stable High-Conductivity Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state lithium-ion conductors, particularly oxide materials, face challenges such as low ionic conductivity, limited electrochemical stability, and high production costs, hindering the widespread adoption of all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel lithium-containing oxides within the Li—La—B—O chemical space using a machine learning-based crystal structure prediction algorithm, specifically Li3-zLa(BO3)2 and Li6-zLa(BO3)3 compositions, which offer high ionic conductivity and aqueous stability, suitable for use as solid electrolytes and electrode coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes are used, then ionic conductivity is improved (>10 mS/cm), but safety deteriorates (H2S in air condition) and electrochemical stability is limited (unstable against Li metal)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting Al with Ga and In in the Li3-xAlx(BO3)2 structure, creating a series of solid solutions Li3-xAlx-1-yGay-1(BO3)2 and Li3-xAlx-1-yIny-1(BO3)2. This compositional parameter change maintains high ionic conductivity while improving electrochemical stability and safety by eliminating H2S generation issues associated with sulfide-based electrolytes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite solid solution materials combining Li, Al/Ga/In, and B elements in specific ratios. These composite oxides integrate the advantages of different elements to achieve both high ionic conductivity and improved safety/stability properties that single-element compounds cannot provide
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oxide SSLICs are used, then electrochemical and chemical stability is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates (generally lower than sulfide SSLICs)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters x and y in Li3-xAlx-1-yGay-1(BO3)2 and Li3-xAlx-1-yIny-1(BO3)2 to achieve optimal ionic conductivity within the oxide family. By systematically varying these parameters, the patent identifies compositions that reach >1 mS/cm conductivity while maintaining oxide stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local structural modifications by substituting specific cations (Al with Ga or In) at specific sites in the crystal structure. This local quality change creates favorable local environments for Li ion transport while maintaining the overall stable oxide framework
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lithium garnet is used as oxide-type electrolyte, then electrochemical stability is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases due to limited material options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal material family Li3-xAlx-1-yGay-1(BO3)2 and Li3-xAlx-1-yIny-1(BO3)2 that can serve multiple functions: solid electrolyte, electrode coating, and interface layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different materials, simplifying device design and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a systematic parameter framework (varying x and y within specific ranges) that allows tuning of material properties for different applications. This parameter-based approach simplifies material selection and optimization compared to exploring discrete, unrelated compositions
Data Source
AI summary
A lithium-containing oxide has one of the following parent compositions: Li3-zLa(BO3)2, Li6-zLa(BO3)3, where z ranges from −0.5 to 0.5. 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.