Pyrochlore Solid Electrolyte for Higher-Conductivity Secondary Batteries

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oxide solid electrolytes with garnet or NASICON structures have low ionic conductivities, making it difficult to enhance the output density of secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A solid electrolyte with a pyrochlore structure, specifically an oxide-based electrolyte with a composition formula of Aa2-αAb(1+α)/3B2O7-βXβ, where Aa is an alkali metal, Ab contains a lanthanoid, and X is an anion substitutable with O, is developed to improve ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oxide solid electrolytes with garnet or NASICON structures are used, then air stability is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair stabilityVSAvoidionic conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the crystal structure from garnet or NASICON to pyrochlore structure, and by adjusting compositional parameters (Aa, Ab, B, X elements and their ratios) to achieve both high air stability and high ionic conductivity simultaneously. The pyrochlore structure with specific composition ranges provides stable surface properties while maintaining high ion transport pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by creating a multi-element doped pyrochlore solid electrolyte containing alkali metals (Aa), lanthanoids (Ab), and other cations (B) with anionic substitutions (X). This composite approach combines the stability benefits of oxide structures with the high conductivity characteristics of doped pyrochlore phases, achieving both air stability and high ionic conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional oxide solid electrolytes are used, then structural stability is improved, but output density deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidoutput density
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystal structure parameter from conventional garnet or NASICON to pyrochlore structure, which provides both structural stability and enhanced ionic conductivity. The compositional parameters are optimized within specific ranges to maintain structural stability while maximizing ion transport, thereby increasing output density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating specific local environments within the pyrochlore structure through element substitution at different sites (Aa, Ab, B, X positions). This allows different regions of the crystal structure to provide different functions: some sites maintain structural stability while others facilitate high-speed ion transport, achieving both stability and high output density.

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 pyrochlore structured solid electrolyte exhibits significantly higher ionic conductivity compared to conventional oxide-based electrolytes, enhancing the output density of secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

an oxide-based solid electrolyte having a pyrochlore structure and having a composition formula of Aa2-αAb(1+α)/3B2O7-βXβ... capable of improving an ionic conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4492524A1Solid electrolyte for secondary battery, and secondary battery
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 DENSO CORP
  • EP4492524A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4492524A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4492524A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An oxide-based solid electrolyte having a pyrochlore structure and represented by a composition formula Aa2-αAb(1+α)/3B2O7-βXβ is used as a solid electrolyte for a secondary battery. Aa is an alkali metal. Ab contains at least a lanthanide. B is a cationic metal different from Aa and Ab. X is an anion that is substitutable with an O atom constituting the pyrochlore structure.