Oxide-Based Solid Electrolyte Hydrothermal Synthesis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries require electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and low electrical conductivity to meet increasing power demands, but existing organic-based liquid electrolytes are flammable and volatile, while inorganic-based solid electrolytes face limitations in cell design and stability.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing an oxide-based solid electrolyte through a hydrothermal reaction involving a precursor solution with a lanthanide complex and metal complex, followed by addition of a lithium compound and dopant precursor, and subsequent crystallization processes to achieve high purity and enhanced ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If organic-based liquid electrolyte is used, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but safety issues arise due to flammability and volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, and changes the chemical composition from organic to inorganic oxide-based material. This fundamentally alters the safety properties while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of oxide compositions and doping strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite oxide materials combining multiple metal oxides (e.g., lithium oxide, lanthanum oxide, zirconium oxide, tantalum oxide) in specific ratios. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of high ionic conductivity and enhanced safety by leveraging the complementary properties of different oxide components.
2Reliability
If inorganic-based solid electrolyte is used, then safety and stability are improved, but cell design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts compositional parameters (ratios of different metal oxides, doping concentrations) and processing parameters (hydrothermal treatment conditions, sintering temperature and time) to optimize the electrolyte properties. This enables adaptation to different cell design requirements while maintaining the safety advantages of inorganic solid electrolytes.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrolyte preparation methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but high purity and high ionic conductivity are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrothermal treatment step as an intermediary process between precursor preparation and final sintering. This intermediate hydrothermal reaction promotes uniform nucleation and growth of electrolyte crystals, ensuring high purity and consistent ionic conductivity while maintaining relatively simple overall manufacturing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary hydrothermal treatment on the precursor mixture before final sintering. This preliminary action pre-forms the crystal nuclei and ensures uniform distribution of dopants, which simplifies the subsequent sintering process and guarantees high purity and ionic conductivity in the final product.
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 method produces oxide-based solid electrolytes with improved ionic conductivity, stability, and flexibility in cell design, preventing fire and explosion risks, and ensuring high purity and efficient lithium distribution.
Implementation Method 1
preparing an intermediate by a hydrothermal reaction that is performed on the precursor solution
Implementation Method 2
crystallizing the mixture
Implementation Method 3
the second oxide-based solid electrolyte may have the same stoichiometric composition as the first oxide-based solid electrolyte, but may have a different crystal structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing an oxide-based solid electrolyte includes preparing a precursor solution which includes a lanthanide complex and a metal complex; preparing an intermediate by a hydrothermal reaction that is performed on the precursor solution; adding a lithium compound and a dopant precursor to the intermediate to prepare a mixture; and crystallizing the mixture. The mixture is crystallized by preparing a first oxide-based solid electrolyte by performing a first crystallization process on the mixture; and preparing a second oxide-based solid electrolyte by performing a second crystallization process on the first oxide-based solid electrolyte, wherein the second oxide-based solid electrolyte has a stoichiometric composition that is the same as that of the first oxide-based solid electrolyte, but that has a different crystal structure.