Lithium Ion Conducting Electrolytes via Solution Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state methods for synthesizing lithium ion conducting solid electrolytes face challenges such as inability to control particle size, produce uniform thin films, and integrate into existing lithium ion battery manufacturing processes, while also being costly and limited in scalability.
Innovation Solution
A heterometallic alkoxide composition is used for solution synthesis of lithium ion conducting solid oxide materials, involving a precursor solution with lithium ions, pentavalent metal ions, trivalent lanthanide metal ions, and negatively charged ligands, which can be hydrolyzed and pyrolyzed to produce nanoparticles or films suitable for use as electrolytes in lithium ion batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solid-state methods of synthesis are used to prepare lithium ion conducting solid electrolytes, then the materials can be produced with high lithium ion conductivity and electrochemical stability, but the particle size cannot be adjusted or optimized and uniform thin films cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sol-gel processing parameters (solution composition, drying conditions, heating temperature and time) to precisely control the particle size and film morphology of the solid electrolyte material, transforming the inability to control particle size into precise particle size optimization through parameter optimization
2Productivity
If solid-state methods of synthesis are used, then lithium ion conducting materials can be produced, but the cost is prohibitive and production scale-up is resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solution-based synthesis (liquid precursor solutions) instead of solid-state methods, enabling the material to be deposited as thin films through solution processing techniques that are more scalable and cost-effective for production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synthesis approach from solid-state to sol-gel processing, using solution chemistry parameters to control material formation, which enables better scalability and reduced manufacturing costs compared to traditional solid-state methods
3Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state methods of synthesis are used, then lithium ion conducting solid electrolytes can be produced, but integration into existing lithium ion battery assembly line manufacturing processes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solution-based synthesis methods that can be integrated into existing battery manufacturing lines, allowing the solid electrolyte to be deposited directly onto electrode assemblies using liquid precursor solutions that are compatible with standard manufacturing processes
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
This method simplifies the synthesis process, reduces costs, enables scalable production, and allows for integration into existing battery manufacturing, producing high-quality lithium ion conducting solid electrolytes with improved ion conductivity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The precursor solution contains components that, upon contact with water or acetone, will produce an initial material (i.e., via hydrolysis) that can be converted to the final solid oxide material
Implementation Method 2
the initial material (i.e., via hydrolysis) that can be converted to the final solid oxide material
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprised of nanoparticles of lithium ion conducting solid oxide material, wherein the solid oxide material is comprised of lithium ions, and at least one type of metal ion selected from pentavalent metal ions and trivalent lanthanide metal ions. Solution methods useful for synthesizing these solid oxide materials, as well as precursor solutions and components thereof, are also described. The solid oxide materials are incorporated as electrolytes into lithium ion batteries.