Lithium-Stuffed Garnet Electrolytes With Fine-Grain Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current garnet materials for solid state lithium-ion batteries lack suitable morphology, conductivity, and particle connectivity, making them inadequate for efficient energy storage.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel methods for forming lithium-stuffed garnet thin films and powders with improved morphologies, conductivities, and surface properties, suitable for use as catholytes, electrolytes, and anolytes in solid state batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional garnet materials are used, then processing is simpler, but ionic conductivity and particle connectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying processing temperatures, sintering durations, and atmospheric conditions to transform conventional garnet materials into high-performance lithium-stuffed garnets with superior ionic conductivity and particle connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite garnet structures by combining multiple processing techniques (sintering, reactive sintering, thin film deposition) and incorporating dopants or additives to enhance ionic conductivity while maintaining structural integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If garnet materials are prepared with proper morphology, then battery performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing precursors with controlled morphology and composition before final sintering, ensuring that the garnet material forms with the desired thin film or nanostructured powder morphology through pre-organized precursor structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sintering with reactive sintering and field-assisted sintering techniques that enable precise morphology control through chemical and field-driven mechanisms rather than purely mechanical pressure and heat
3Productivity
If higher conductivity garnet materials are developed, then energy storage efficiency increases, but compatibility with battery components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating garnet materials with spatially varying properties - high conductivity in the bulk material while maintaining chemical stability at interfaces with battery components, achieved through gradient doping or surface treatment techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary layers or coating materials between the high-conductivity garnet and other battery components (electrodes, current collectors) to prevent detrimental chemical reactions while maintaining ionic transport efficiency
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 improved garnet materials exhibit enhanced ionic conductivity, stability, and compatibility with solid state battery components, leading to more efficient energy storage and safer battery operations.
Implementation Method 1
Garnet materials have yet to be prepared with the proper morphology (e.g., thin film or nanostructured powder) or with sufficient conductivity and, or, particle connectivity
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/007,417, filed Jun. 4, 2014, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FORMING GARNET MATERIAL WITH REACTIVE SINTERING
Data Source
AI summary
Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (<50 um) free standing membranes of an ionically conducting material for use as a catholyte, electrolyte, and, or, anolyte, in an electrochemical device, a battery component (positive or negative electrode materials), or a complete solid state electrochemical energy storage device. Also, the methods set forth herein disclose novel sintering techniques, e.g., for heating and/or field assisted (FAST) sintering, for solid state energy storage devices and the components thereof.