Lithium Oxide Argyrodite Electrolytes for Dendrite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid electrolytes for lithium ion batteries face challenges such as low conductivity, poor electrochemical stability, and the risk of dendrite formation due to uneven lithium metal deposition, particularly in sulfide-based materials that can release toxic hydrogen sulfide when exposed to moisture.
Innovation Solution
Development of lithium oxide argyrodites with the formula Li (6-y) PS4O (1-y) X (1+y), where X is a halide, which replaces sulfur with oxygen, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of dendrite formation by improving lithium metal deposition uniformity, and incorporating these materials into solid-state batteries or fuel cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sulfide-based solid electrolytes are used, then lithium ion conductivity can be achieved, but toxic hydrogen sulfide is released when exposed to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing sulfur with oxygen in the electrolyte material formula, transforming from sulfide-based (Li6-a-bPS5-n-b-kOaX1-b) to oxide-based (Li6-yPS4O1-yX1+y) argyrodite structure. This parameter change eliminates the harmful hydrogen sulfide release while maintaining lithium ion conductivity through the oxide framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite oxide argyrodite materials combining multiple elements (Li, P, S, O, and halide X) in a specific structured formula. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both high lithium ion conductivity and chemical stability, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and toxicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid electrolytes are used, then safety against flammability is improved, but dendrite formation occurs due to uneven lithium metal deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the stoichiometric parameters in the oxide argyrodite formula Li6-yPS4O1-yX1+y, where y controls the ratio of oxygen to halide content. This parameter optimization tunes the material's electrochemical stability and surface properties to promote uniform lithium deposition, preventing dendrites while maintaining the inherent fire safety of solid electrolytes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sulfur is replaced with oxygen in the electrolyte formula, then electrochemical stability is enhanced, but synthesis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-step synthesis approach where precursors are prepared and pre-mixed before final sintering. This preliminary action organizes the complex synthesis process into manageable stages, making the oxide argyrodite fabrication more controllable and reproducible despite the complexity of replacing sulfur with oxygen in the structure.
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 oxide argyrodites offer improved lithium ion conductivity, reduced toxicity risk, and enhanced electrochemical stability, enabling safer and more efficient lithium metal anode batteries with minimized hydrogen sulfide generation.
Implementation Method 1
lithium oxide argyrodites offer improved lithium ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
the Li 2 O, LiX, and Li 3 PS 4 are reacted in a ball mill without solvent
Implementation Method 3
the method further includes comprising annealing the lithium oxide argyrodite
Data Source
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AI summary
Lithium oxide argyrodites having the formula Li(6-y)PS4O(1-y)X(1+y) where X is a halide anion and y is a number between 0 and 0.8, inclusive, are provided herein. Also provided are methods of synthesizing the lithium oxide argyrodites and composites including the lithium oxide argyrodites, as well as other alkali metal oxide argyrodites and related methods and composites.