NASICON Sodium Ion Conductor Composition for Room-Temperature Conductivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state electrolytes for sodium batteries have lower conductivities than liquid electrolytes, limiting their practical application in solid-state batteries.

Innovation Solution

Development of a solid-state ion conductor comprising a compound of Formula 1: Na x M 1< 2-(y+z) M 3< z (AO 4 ) 3, where M 1<, M 2<, and M 3< are Hf, Sc, or Zr, and A is P or Si, with specific ranges for x, y, and z, exhibiting a NASICON structure and high sodium ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid-state electrolytes are used instead of liquid electrolytes, then safety and energy density are improved, but ionic conductivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the solid-state electrolyte by incorporating specific ratios of Na3Zr2Si2PO12 and Na3Sc2(PO4)3 compounds, adjusting the molecular structure to optimize ionic conductivity while maintaining the solid-state safety advantages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite solid-state electrolyte material by combining Zr-based NASICON structure with Sc-doped components, leveraging the complementary properties of both materials to achieve high ionic conductivity (10^-2 to 50 mS/cm) while retaining the safety benefits of solid-state architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If solid-state electrolytes are used instead of liquid electrolytes, then energy density is improved, but ionic conductivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters by controlling the molar ratios of Na, Zr, Sc, Si, and P elements, adjusting the crystal structure parameters to maximize sodium ion transport pathways while maintaining high energy density through compact solid-state architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional solid-state electrolyte compositions are used, then structural stability is maintained, but ionic conductivity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention develops a composite NASICON-type electrolyte combining Na3Zr2Si2PO12 matrix with Na3Sc2(PO4)3 dopant phases, where the Zr-based framework provides structural stability while Sc doping creates additional ionic conduction pathways, achieving both stability and high conductivity (10^-2 to 50 mS/cm)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces localized Sc doping at specific crystallographic sites within the NASICON structure, creating regions of enhanced ionic conductivity within the stable Zr-based framework, allowing different parts of the material to fulfill different functions (stability vs. conductivity)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 new solid-state ion conductor achieves high room temperature ionic conductivity, ranging from 10 -2< to 50 mS/cm, enhancing the performance and safety of sodium batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The compound of Formula 1 may have a sodium ion conductivity of 10^-2 to 50 mS/cm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4156337B1Solid-state sodium ion conductor and method of making the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4156337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A solid-state ion conductor includes a compound of the formula NaxM12-(y+z)M2yM3z(AO4)3 wherein M1, M2, and M3 are each independently Hf, Mg, Sc, In, Y, Ca, or Zr; A is P, Si, S, or a combination thereof; 3≤x≤3.5; 0.5≤y≤1; and 0≤z≤0.5. The solid-state ion conductor can be useful in various components of an electrochemical cell.