Oxyhalide Electrolytes via Mechanochemical Milling for Fast Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid electrolytes require extended synthesis times, reducing their energy-efficiency and practicality for large-scale production, and there is a need for mechanically and electrochemically stable electrolytes that are economically feasible.

Innovation Solution

Development of oxyhalide electrolytes with the formula AzNv-yMyOX5-y, produced via a fast mechanochemical milling process, exhibiting superionic conductivity and suitable for use in batteries and sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional solid electrolyte synthesis methods are used, then good mechanical and electrochemical properties are achieved, but extended synthesis time is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical and electrochemical stabilityVSAvoidsynthesis time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional thermal heating methods with mechanochemical milling to synthesize solid electrolytes. The ball milling process uses mechanical energy to drive chemical reactions and form the desired crystal structure, eliminating the need for extended thermal treatment while achieving good mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the synthesis parameters by using specific ball milling conditions (milling time, ball-to-powder ratio, milling media) to achieve rapid synthesis. By optimizing these mechanical parameters, the synthesis time is dramatically reduced from conventional extended heating periods to just hours of milling, while maintaining product quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional synthesis methods are used, then stable electrolyte products are produced, but energy-efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte stabilityVSAvoidenergy-efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes thermal energy with mechanical energy in the form of ball milling. The mechanochemical process converts mechanical work directly into chemical bonding and crystal formation, bypassing the energy-intensive thermal treatment steps required by conventional methods, thereby improving energy-efficiency while producing stable electrolytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary mechanical activation and mixing during the ball milling process, which pre-configures the reactant particles with optimal contact and orientation for subsequent reaction. This preliminary mechanical action reduces the total energy required compared to conventional methods that rely on prolonged thermal energy input to achieve the same mixing and activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional synthesis routes are used, then good electrochemical properties are achieved, but practicality for large-scale production is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochemical propertiesVSAvoidpracticality for large-scale production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanochemical milling, which is inherently more scalable than conventional solid-state heating methods. Ball milling is a well-established industrial process that can be easily scaled from laboratory to production scale, allowing good electrochemical properties to be achieved with improved practicality for large-scale manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ball milling process is continuous and can run for extended periods without interruption, continuously producing electrolyte material with consistent quality. This continuous operation capability greatly enhances practicality for large-scale production compared to batch-wise conventional heating methods that require frequent loading, unloading, and temperature control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 oxyhalide electrolytes offer high ionic conductivity, low electronic conductivity, and low activation energy barriers, enabling efficient ion transport over a wide temperature range, making them suitable for solid-state batteries and ion detection sensors.

Implementation Method 1

The electrolytes have the general formula AzNv-yMyOX5-y, exhibit superionic conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperionic conductivity: Fast Ion Conductor

Implementation Method 2

produced via a fast mechanochemical milling process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanochemical milling:

Data Source

PatentUS20250333325A1Oxyhalide electrolytes and efficient methods for making the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 FLORIDA STATE UNIV RES FOUND INC

AI summary

In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure, in one aspect, relates to oxyhalide electrolytes and synthesis of oxyhalide electrolytes. The electrolytes have the general formula AzNv-yMyOX5-y, exhibit superionic conductivity, and can be produced via a relatively fast synthesis route. The electrolytes can be a component of different types of batteries or sensors for ion detection.