Solid Electrolyte Stability Against Lithium Hydroxide

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Solution Overview

Problem

The solid electrolyte in lithium air batteries is not stable in the presence of strong bases like lithium hydroxide, leading to deteriorated ion conductivity, which limits the battery's performance and stability.

Innovation Solution

A solid electrolyte with improved ion conductivity is developed, incorporating ion conductors represented by specific formulas (Li1+3xM11−xO2, Li1−yM2O2−yXy, and Li1−z(a−3)M31−zDzO2) that introduce elemental deficiencies and heterogeneous elements, maintaining stability and enhancing lithium ion pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional solid electrolyte is used in lithium air battery, then the battery structure is simple, but the ion conductivity deteriorates in the presence of strong base (lithium hydroxide)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion conductivity stabilityVSAvoidelectrolyte composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple elements (Li, M1, M2, M3, X, D) to form a complex solid electrolyte with formula Li1+3xM11−xO2, 01−yM2O2−yXy, or 01−z(a−3)M31−zDzO2. This composite structure provides both chemical stability against lithium hydroxide and high ion conductivity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces local quality modifications by creating specific deficiency sites (vacancies) at controlled positions within the crystal structure through doping with heteroelements X and D. These localized structural modifications enhance ion conductivity pathways while maintaining overall structural stability against strong bases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If solid electrolyte is exposed to strong base (lithium hydroxide), then the battery operates, but the ion conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operationVSAvoidion conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-modifying the solid electrolyte structure with heteroelements X and D before exposure to lithium hydroxide. This pre-modification creates a chemically stable structure that resists degradation from strong base exposure, maintaining ion conductivity during battery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solid electrolyte by introducing heteroelements and controlling deficiency ratios (x, y, z values). These parameter changes enhance both chemical stability against lithium hydroxide and ion conductivity, allowing the electrolyte to maintain performance during battery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional solid electrolyte is used, then the preparation process is simple, but the ion conductivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion conductivityVSAvoidpreparation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing precursors with specific stoichiometric ratios (Li1+3xM11−xO2, 01−yM2O2−yXy, or 01−z(a−3)M31−zDzO2) before sintering. This preliminary preparation ensures uniform distribution of heteroelements and deficiency sites, achieving high ion conductivity through a controlled two-step process of mixing and heat treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 new solid electrolyte exhibits significantly improved ion conductivity and stability, retaining conductivity even after exposure to strong bases, reducing internal resistance and enhancing the performance of lithium air batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the ion conductivity of the solid electrolyte deteriorates under the condition of a strong base such as lithium hydroxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11631914B2Solid electrolyte, preparation method thereof, lithium air battery including the same, and electrochemical device including the same
Publication Date: 2023.04.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11631914B2 patent drawing
  • US11631914B2 patent drawing
  • US11631914B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solid electrolyte includes an ion conductor represented by at least one of Formulae 1 to 3,Li1+3xM11−xO2  Formula 1wherein, in Formula 1,M1 is a trivalent element, and 0<x<1,L1−yM2O2−yXy  Formula 2wherein, in Formula 2,M2 is a trivalent element,X is at least one of a halogen atom or a pseudohalogen, and 0<y<1,Li1−z(a−3)M31−zDzO2  Formula 3wherein, in Formula 3,M3 is a trivalent element,D is at least one of a monovalent element to a hexavalent element, and 0<z<1.