Lithium Oxyhalide Conductors for Stable Solid-State Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries lack improved properties and are often synthesized using expensive precursors and complex manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
Development of lithium ion conductors with the formula Li1+xNb1−xZrxOX4, where X is a halide and x is between 0.05 and 0.95, using a mechanochemical synthesis method involving ball milling of precursors like NbCl5, ZrCl4, and LiOH.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid-state electrolytes are used, then battery safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the solid-state electrolyte by incorporating specific ratios of lithium, niobium, and zirconium elements in the formula Li1+xNb1-xZrxO2-x/2, optimizing ionic conductivity while maintaining stability. This compositional parameter adjustment enables lower-cost synthesis routes while preserving the safety benefits of solid-state electrolytes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite solid-state electrolyte material combining multiple elements (lithium, niobium, zirconium, oxygen) in a specific crystalline structure. This composite approach achieves superior ionic conductivity and stability properties that enable cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining battery safety
2Reliability
If conventional solid-state electrolytes are used, then battery safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex multi-step synthesis procedures and expensive precursor materials from the manufacturing process. By using a simplified solid-state reaction method with readily available precursors, the invention maintains battery safety while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the synthesis process parameters from conventional high-temperature, multi-step procedures to a simplified single-step solid-state reaction at moderate temperatures. This parameter optimization reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving the safety-critical properties of the solid-state electrolyte
3Reliability
If lithium ion conductivity is enhanced, then battery performance is improved, but material stability with lithium metal may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters (x values) in the Li1+xNb1-xZrxO2-x/2 formula to achieve the optimal balance between ionic conductivity and chemical stability. By adjusting the lithium excess parameter and metal ratios, the invention simultaneously enhances lithium ion conductivity while maintaining thermodynamic stability with lithium metal electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs a composite oxyhalide structure combining niobium and zirconium in specific ratios within a stable crystal lattice. This composite material architecture provides high ionic conductivity pathways while the stable crystal structure resists decomposition reactions with lithium metal, resolving the contradiction between conductivity enhancement and stability
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 ion conductors exhibit enhanced lithium ion conductivity, improved stability with lithium metal, and can be synthesized using inexpensive precursors and simpler manufacturing processes, making them suitable for next-generation all-solid-state batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the method comprises a mechanochemical synthesis
Implementation Method 2
combining a plurality of precursors to form a mixture and ball milling the mixture to form the lithium ion conductor
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter relates to lithium ion conductors and batteries (such as pseudo solid state and all solid state batteries), and methods of making and use thereof. Disclosed herein are lithium ion conductors comprising Li1+xNb1−xZrxOX4, wherein X is a halide; and 0≤x≤1. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and use of any of the lithium ion conductors (e.g., Formula I) disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are devices comprising any of the lithium ion conductors disclosed herein (e.g., Formula I), such as a solid state battery.