Solid-State Battery Ionic Conductivity via Ceramic Thin Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional batteries suffer from low energy and power densities, limited ability to follow fluctuating electrical loads, degradation over time, sensitivity to temperature, and inability to tolerate rapid charging, which restricts their performance and lifespan in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of solid-state energy storage devices with a pair of metal-containing electrodes and a solid electrolyte, allowing for reversible electrochemical redox reactions and high ionic conductivity at room temperature, enabling efficient energy storage and rapid charging without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional batteries use liquid or gel electrolytes to enable electrochemical reactions, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but leakage, evaporation, and manufacturing precision are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic conductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid/gel to solid, fundamentally altering the material properties to eliminate leakage and evaporation while enabling precise thin-film fabrication through atomic layer deposition and other solid-state manufacturing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the liquid/gel electrolyte system with a solid electrolyte system, substituting the fluid-based ionic conduction mechanism with a solid-state ionic conduction mechanism that enables precise manufacturing and eliminates mechanical leakage issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional batteries are charged rapidly to reduce charging time, then productivity is improved, but the battery components suffer damage and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcomponent stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrolyte state to solid, which fundamentally alters the charging mechanism to allow rapid ion transport without the degradation issues of liquid electrolytes, enabling fast charging while maintaining component stability through reversible solid-state electrochemical reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the need for complex charging algorithms and intelligent interfaces required by conventional batteries, simplifying the charging system while enabling rapid charging through the inherent properties of solid-state electrochemistry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional batteries operate at extreme temperatures to expand operational range, then adaptability is improved, but capacity is lost and performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrolyte to a solid state with stable crystal structures that maintain ionic conductivity across extreme temperature ranges, allowing the battery to operate from -50°C to +100°C while preserving storage capacity through thermally stable solid-state electrochemical reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If conventional batteries use series connections to achieve higher voltages, then power output is improved, but system complexity and cell balancing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple electrochemical functions into a single solid-state cell architecture, achieving high voltage output through the inherent properties of the solid electrolyte and electrode materials without requiring complex series connections and cell balancing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

These devices achieve high energy densities, improved cycle life, and operational stability across a wide temperature range, enabling rapid charging and discharging without capacity loss or damage, enhancing their suitability for portable and traction applications.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for reversible electrochemical redox reactions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical redox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

high ionic conductivity at room temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10601074B2Rugged, gel-free, lithium-free, high energy density solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 SPACE CHARGE LLC

AI summary

Described are solid-state energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Useful electrodes include metals and metal oxides, and useful electrolytes include amorphous ceramic thin film electrolytes that permit conduction or migration of ions across the electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.