Composite Solid-State Electrode with LLZO Pathways for Stable Li-Ion Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries face challenges with low ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of solid-state electrolytes, leading to poor contact between electrolytes and electrodes, which results in low rate capability and poor cycling stability, along with lithium dendrite penetration that can cause short circuits.
Innovation Solution
Development of a ceramic-polymer nanocomposite electrode with a 3-dimensional polymer matrix and ceramic nanoparticles distributed within, enhancing mechanical strength and creating ionic transport channels, and a ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte membrane to improve ionic conductivity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid-state electrolyte is used to replace conventional organic liquid electrolytes, then safety is improved (non-flammable, non-toxic), but ionic conductivity deteriorates (low ionic conductivities of many SSE)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite electrode structures combining multiple materials (conductive polymers, ceramic particles, active materials) to achieve both safety and high ionic conductivity. The composite nature allows synergistic effects where each component contributes specific properties: polymer matrix provides safety and flexibility, ceramic particles enhance conductivity and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous electrode structures with controlled porosity to facilitate ion transport while maintaining structural integrity. The porous architecture creates pathways for ionic conduction through the solid-state electrolyte, resolving the contradiction between dense safe structures and open conductive pathways.
2Ease of manufacture
If solid polymer electrolyte is used, then ease of manufacture is improved (simple, inexpensive techniques), but ionic conductivity deteriorates (poor ionic conductivity at room temperature)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solid polymer electrolyte with conductive ceramic particles and conductive polymers to create a composite that maintains the manufacturing simplicity of polymers while achieving high ionic conductivity through the synergistic contribution of multiple conductive phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer electrolyte system by incorporating nanoparticles and conductive additives, changing the overall conductivity parameters without fundamentally altering the polymer matrix composition or processing methods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If plasticizers are added to solid-state polymer electrolyte to improve ionic conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved (increase in ionic conductivity), but mechanical strength deteriorates (reduce the mechanical strength)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional liquid plasticizers with solid ceramic particles and conductive polymers that enhance ionic conductivity without compromising mechanical strength. The composite structure allows rigid ceramic particles to provide structural support while conductive polymer phases provide ion transport pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a porous composite structure where ceramic particles form a rigid scaffold that maintains mechanical strength, while the interconnected porous network filled with conductive polymer phases provides pathways for ionic conduction without requiring plasticizers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrode materials are used with solid-state electrolyte, then adaptability is improved (compatibility with existing materials), but contact quality deteriorates (poor contact between solid electrolyte and electrodes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops composite electrode materials that combine conventional active materials with conductive polymers and ceramic particles, creating interfaces that are chemically compatible with solid-state electrolytes while providing excellent physical contact through the multi-phase composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials with specific local functions within the electrode: conductive polymers at the interface with electrolyte for optimal contact, ceramic particles for mechanical strength and localized conductivity enhancement, and active materials for electrochemical function. Each component is positioned to optimize its specific contribution.
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 solution significantly enhances cycling stability and ionic conductivity, providing high energy density, excellent rate performance, and long cycle life for lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the cathode's polymeric networking structure of electrolyte serves as ionic conductive pathways for electrons and Li+ transport for active material particles during the lithiated/delithiated process
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte (ceramic-polymer nanocomposite)-infiltrated composite electrode that has a 3-dimensional polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles distributed or embedded in the matrix
Implementation Method 3
Incorporating ceramic nanoparticles to enhance the mechanical strengths of polymer electrolytes can suppress Li dendrite growth
Implementation Method 4
lithium dendrites, which develop as an electrochemical cell undergoes charging and discharging cycles
Implementation Method 5
During the electrochemical discharge process lithium ions are transported through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
Electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode includes an electrolyte component consisting of a polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles embedded in the matrix to form a networking structure of electrolyte. Suitable ceramic nanoparticles have the basic formula Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and its derivatives such as AlxLi7-xLa3Zr2-y-zTayNbzO12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85, y ranges from 0 to 0.50 and z ranges from 0 to 0.75, wherein at least one of x, y and z is not equal to 0. The networking structure of the electrolyte establishes an effective lithium-ion transport pathway in the electrode and strengthens the contact between electrode layer and solid-state electrolyte resulting in higher lithium-ion electrochemical cell's cycling stability and longer battery life. Sold-state electrolytes incorporating the ceramic particles demonstrate improved performance. Large dimensional electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode sheets can be used in all solid-state lithium electrochemical pouch cells which can be assembled into battery packs.