Solid Catholyte Composition for Safer High-Loading Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state batteries face limitations in power density, mass loading, and manufacturability, hindering their adoption in the mass market.
Innovation Solution
A solid catholyte material with improved ionic conductivity is developed, comprising lithium, germanium, phosphorous, and sulfur (LGPS) or lithium, silicon, phosphorous, and sulfur (LSPS) in a polycrystalline or amorphous state, which enhances the cathode's ionic conductivity, allowing for higher mass loading of active material, faster charge/discharge, and a wider operating temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolyte is used in lithium batteries, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability and thermal runaway risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, eliminating the flammability and thermal runaway issues inherent in liquid electrolytes while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of solid electrolyte materials such as sulfides, oxides, and polymers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrolyte systems combining solid electrolyte materials with active materials and conductive additives to achieve both safety and performance, creating a multi-component system that balances ionic conductivity, electronic insulation, and mechanical stability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If solid electrolyte is used to replace liquid electrolyte, then safety is improved, but ionic conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition and crystal structure parameters of solid electrolyte materials to enhance ionic conductivity, using materials like LiaMg1-xPbScO4-d where doping and stoichiometric control enable high Li-ion transport while maintaining solid-state safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized high-conductivity pathways within the solid electrolyte structure through dopant distribution and phase engineering, ensuring that ionic transport is optimized in specific regions while maintaining overall structural integrity and safety
3Quantity of substance
If higher mass loading of active material is implemented, then energy density is improved, but power density deteriorates due to limited ionic conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a spatially optimized cathode structure where solid electrolyte is distributed to provide localized ionic conduction pathways near active material particles, enabling high mass loading while maintaining sufficient ionic transport for high power density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar electrode structures to three-dimensional architectures with embedded solid electrolyte networks, creating multiple conduction pathways that accommodate higher active material loading without compromising power density
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional solid-state battery structure is used, then manufacturability is limited, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery into modular units with standardized solid electrolyte components and active material layers, enabling scalable manufacturing through repeated assembly of discrete, well-defined building blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the solid electrolyte to serve multiple functions simultaneously: ionic conduction, electronic insulation, mechanical support, and interface stabilization, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components and simplifying the overall device structure for easier manufacturing
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 improved ionic conductivity of the catholyte material enables higher energy density, faster charging and discharging, and a broader operating temperature range, addressing the limitations of current solid-state batteries and enhancing their safety by eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes.
Implementation Method 1
a catholyte material spatially confined within a spatial region of the cathode region... the catholyte material comprises a lithium, germanium, phosphorous, and sulfur ('LGPS') containing material configured in a polycrystalline state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an energy storage device comprising a cathode region or other element. The device has a major active region comprising a plurality of first active regions spatially disposed within the cathode region. The major active region expands or contacts from a first volume to a second volume during a period of a charge and discharge. The device has a catholyte material spatially confined within a spatial region of the cathode region an spatially disposed within spatial regions not occupied by the first active regions. The device has a protective material formed overlying exposed regions of the cathode material to substantially maintain the sulfur species within the catholyte material. Also included is a novel dopant configuration of the LiaMPbSc (LMPS) [M=Si, Ge, and/or Sn] containing material.