Proton-Conducting Solid Electrolyte for Lower-Temperature Battery Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ion conductors, such as YSZ and barium zirconate, require high temperatures (700°C or higher) for optimal performance, necessitating additional heating and cooling systems, and there is a need for ion conductors with higher conductivity and stability across a wider temperature range, including lower and medium temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Development of a proton-conducting solid electrolyte represented by general formulas like Ba1-αSc1-xMoxO3-δH y, where α, x, and δ vary within specific ranges, incorporating elements with specific ionic radii, to achieve high proton conductivity and stability in low- to medium-temperature ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If YSZ or barium zirconate is used as ion conductor, then oxide ion conductivity is achieved, but high temperature operation (700°C or higher) is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxide ion conductivityVSAvoidoperating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the conduction mechanism parameter from oxide ion conduction to proton conduction by selecting specific perovskite-type oxide materials with oxygen vacancies. This fundamental parameter change enables the solid electrolyte to achieve high ionic conductivity at lower temperatures (200-700°C) while maintaining the required conductivity for battery operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material design by creating perovskite-type oxides with specific compositional ratios (e.g., BaZr0.8Y0.2O2.9, BaCe0.8Y0.1Ti0.1O2.9) that combine multiple elements to optimize both proton conductivity and chemical stability. The composite structure with oxygen pores introduced by chemical substitution achieves enhanced performance across a wide temperature range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high temperature operation is implemented, then ion conductivity is secured, but additional heating and cooling systems are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion conductivityVSAvoidheating and cooling systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the operating temperature parameter from high temperature (700°C+) to medium-low temperature (200-700°C) range through the use of proton-conducting perovskite materials, the patent eliminates the need for complex heating and cooling systems while maintaining sufficient ion conductivity for battery operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If proton conductor with higher proton conductivity is developed, then proton transport rate increases, but stability across different temperature conditions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproton conductivityVSAvoidstability across temperature conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves both high proton conductivity and temperature stability through composite material design using perovskite-type oxides with specific multi-element compositions. The combination of elements (e.g., Ba, Zr, Y, Ce, Ti) in controlled ratios creates a material that maintains structural integrity and consistent proton conductivity across the 200-700°C operating range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by introducing oxygen pores through chemical substitution at specific lattice positions in the perovskite structure. This creates localized regions with enhanced proton conduction pathways while maintaining overall structural stability across different temperature conditions

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 proposed electrolyte exhibits excellent proton conductivity and stability from 100°C to 700°C, reducing the need for high-temperature operation and simplifying system requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a perovskite-type oxide in which oxygen pores are introduced by chemical substitution, such as BaZr0.8Y0.2O2.9, has been known as a proton conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProton conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4586279A1Proton-conducting solid electrolyte, electrolyte layer, and battery
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SHIN ETSU CHEMICAL CO LTD
  • EP4586279A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4586279A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4586279A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

What is provided are a proton-conducting solid electrolyte which can exhibit high proton conductivity and stability in a low-temperature range and a medium-temperature range, an electrolyte layer formed of the proton-conducting solid electrolyte, and a battery. As an example, a proton-conducting solid electrolyte represented by a general formula: Ba1-αSc1-xMoxO3-δHy, in which α is -0.2 to 0.2, x is 0.1 to 0.3, y is 0 to 1 - 3x, and δ is 0 to 1/2 - 3x/2, a proton-conducting solid electrolyte represented by a general formula: BaSc1-xMoxO3-δHy, in which x is 0.15 to 0.25, y is 0 to 1 - 3x, and δ is 0 to 1/2 - 3x/2, or the like; an electrolyte layer; and a battery are provided.