Mixed Inorganic Electrolyte Stability and Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid sulfide electrolytes in batteries face stability issues, particularly in the presence of moisture, leading to toxic gas release and degradation when in contact with active electrode materials, while oxides offer higher stability but lower ionic conductivity and unsuitable high-temperature processing for industrial applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of mixed inorganic compounds with the formula (A(t-v)Bv/2)[(PS4)(1-x)(OHzAUX1)x])(1-y)(LinX2)y, which combine the stability of oxides with the electrochemical performance of sulfides, reducing H2S release and maintaining ionic conductivity, achieved through a co-grinding method without high-temperature annealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If sulfide electrolytes are used, then ionic conductivity and energy density are improved, but stability deteriorates due to moisture reaction and toxic gas release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining sulfide and oxide components in a single electrolyte structure. The sulfide phase provides high ionic conductivity while the oxide phase provides chemical stability and prevents moisture reaction. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve the benefits of both material types without suffering from their individual drawbacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If oxide electrolytes are used, then stability is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials to combine oxide and sulfide phases, where the oxide provides stability and the sulfide provides ionic conductivity. This allows the electrolyte to achieve both high stability and high ionic conductivity simultaneously, resolving the trade-off between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If high-temperature heat treatment is applied to oxide electrolytes, then manufacturing is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition to include both sulfide and oxide components, which fundamentally changes the processing requirements. Instead of requiring high-temperature treatment (>700°C) as with pure oxides, the composite material can be processed at lower temperatures while still achieving the desired stability and performance, thereby reducing safety risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 mixed compounds enhance the stability and safety of sulfide electrolytes, maintaining electrochemical performance and ionic conductivity, facilitating the industrialization of all-solid battery technologies with reduced safety risks and improved energy densities.

Implementation Method 1

The compounds with formula (I) are used for the conduction of alkaline ions (in particular lithium)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The high ionic conductivity values thereof combined with the ductility thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFast ion conduction: Fast Ion Conductor

Implementation Method 3

the preparation method of compounds with formula (I) according to the invention, said method comprising the step of co-grinding the precursors of the compound with formula (I)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical mixing: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230116369A1Lithium mixed inorganic electrolytes
Publication Date: 2023.04.13 SAFT GRP SA
  • US20230116369A1 patent drawing
  • US20230116369A1 patent drawing
  • US20230116369A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application relates to novel mixed compounds based on oxides and sulfides, and the use thereof as a solid electrolyte, with improved sulfide stability. The application further relates to electrochemical elements and lithium batteries containing such electrolytes.