Solid Electrolyte I-4 Structure for Lithium Battery Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries with liquid electrolytes face instability and safety issues at high voltages, leading to potential leakage, fire, and explosion, while solid-state batteries require high Li ion conductivity and chemical stability for improved safety and performance.
Innovation Solution
A solid electrolyte material represented by Formula 1: L1+2x(M1)1−x(M2)(M3)4, with an I-4 crystal structure, is developed, where L is a Group 1 element, M1 is a Group 2, 3, or 12 element, M2 is a Group 5, 14, or 15 element, and M3 is a Group 16 element, exhibiting high Li ion conductivity and chemical stability, and is prepared by mixing compounds and undergoing heat treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a liquid electrolyte is used in lithium batteries, then the battery can operate with high voltage and high energy density, but the battery becomes chemically unstable and has safety risks including leakage, fire, and explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, transforming it into a solid electrolyte material with specific crystal structure (I-4 structure) and composition (L1+2x(M1)1−x(M2)(M3)4). This parameter change eliminates the chemical instability and safety risks of liquid electrolytes while maintaining high voltage and energy density capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solid electrolyte material combining multiple elements (Group 1 element L, Group 2/3/12 element M1, Group 5/14/15 element M2, and Group 16 element M3) in a specific stoichiometric ratio within an I-4 crystal structure. This composite material approach achieves both high Li ion conductivity and excellent chemical stability, resolving the contradiction between power and reliability.
2Reliability
If a solid electrolyte is used to improve safety and stability, then the risk of ignition is reduced, but the Li ion conductivity may be insufficient compared to liquid electrolytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters (values of x, ratios of different elements) and structural parameters (I-4 crystal structure) of the solid electrolyte to achieve high Li ion conductivity. The specific formula L1+2x(M1)1−x(M2)(M3)4 with controlled x values allows tuning of conductivity while maintaining stability, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and power.
3Productivity
If liquid electrolyte is used, then the battery can charge and discharge quickly, but dendrites form leading to self-discharging and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte state from liquid to solid, which fundamentally alters the interface properties between electrolyte and electrodes. The solid electrolyte's rigid structure prevents dendrite penetration and formation, eliminating the harmful effects of self-discharging and heating while maintaining efficient charge and discharge capabilities through optimized ionic conductivity.
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 solid electrolyte achieves high ionic conductivity and chemical stability, suitable for use in lithium batteries, reducing the risk of ignition and enhancing battery performance and safety, particularly in electric vehicles and large-scale storage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte having both high Li ion conductivity and excellent chemical stability
Implementation Method 2
performing a heat treatment on the resulting mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A solid electrolyte material represented by Formula 1:L1+2x(M1)1−x(M2)(M3)4 Formula 1wherein 0.25<x<1, L is at least one element selected from a Group 1 element, M1 is at least one element selected from a Group 2 element, a Group 3 element, a Group 12 element, and a Group 13 element, M2 is at least one element selected from a Group 5 element, a Group 14 element, and a Group 15 element, and M3 is at least one element selected from a Group 16 element, and wherein the solid electrolyte material has an I-4 crystal structure.