Lithium Borosilicate Glass Electrolyte for Stable Lithium Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of solid state batteries faces challenges in identifying new solid electrolytes with high lithium ion conductivity, stability, and electrochemical stability, particularly when in contact with lithium, which limits the design of new electrolyte materials and requires a trial-and-error approach due to unpredictable behavior based on material structure and conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A lithium borosilicate composition consisting of a ternary system of lithium oxide, silicon oxide, and boron oxide, with a specific atomic percentage range, exhibiting high ionic conductivity and low electronic conductivity, is developed, which is stable in contact with lithium and electrochemically stable across a broad range of potentials, making it suitable as a protectant for electrodes and an electrolyte in batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new solid electrolyte materials are developed with desired structure and ionic conductivities, then high lithium ion conductivity is achieved, but stability when operated in a solid state battery device cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material design by combining lithium oxide, boron oxide, and silicon oxide in specific ratios to create a glassy composite electrolyte. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity (10^-6 to 10^-3 S/cm) and electrochemical stability, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and stability by integrating multiple oxide components with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies compositional parameters (molar ratios of Li2O, B2O3, SiO2) and processing parameters (substrate temperature, deposition rate) to optimize electrolyte performance. By changing these parameters, the invention achieves predictable control over ionic conductivity and stability, transforming the trial-and-error process into a systematic parameter optimization approach.
2Reliability
If lithium borosilicate composition is used as electrolyte, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but electronic conductivity must be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves local quality optimization by creating a glassy phase with specific local structural arrangements of lithium, boron, and silicon atoms. The disordered glassy structure locally configures ions and electrons differently, allowing high lithium ion mobility through the glass network while maintaining low electronic conductivity, thus achieving a lithium ion transference number close to unity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrolyte material is designed for high voltage operation, then electrochemical window is widened, but stability against lithium anode must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The lithium borosilicate glassy electrolyte acts as an intermediary material between the lithium anode and high voltage cathode. This intermediary layer provides a stable interface with lithium while withstanding high voltages, mediating the interaction between electrodes and preventing direct contact that would cause degradation. The glassy phase forms a protective interface that maintains stability on both sides of the voltage range.
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 lithium borosilicate composition demonstrates improved stability and electrochemical performance, enabling the use in solid state batteries with lithium anodes and high voltage operations, providing a predictable and effective solution for electrolyte material design in battery technology.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolyte should have high lithium ion conductivity at room temperature
Implementation Method 2
WO 2015/104538 describes the fabrication of samples of lithium borosilicate at a range of substrate temperatures using vapour deposition of the component elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A lithium borosilicate composition, consisting essentially of a system of lithium oxide in combination with silicon oxide and boron oxide, wherein said lithium borosilicate comprises between 70-83 atomic % lithium based on the combined atomic percentages of lithium, boron and silicon, and wherein said lithium borosilicate is a glass, is disclosed.