Solid state battery with uniformly distributed electrolyte, and methods of fabrication relating thereto
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state batteries face low power capabilities due to high interfacial resistance caused by limited contacts between solid-state active particles and the solid-state electrolyte in the electrodes and electrolyte layer.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing solid-state electrochemical cells with a uniformly distributed solid-state electrolyte involves forming apertures in the electrodes, impregnating them with a solid-state electrolyte precursor solution, and heating to solidify it, using materials like sulfide, halide-based, or polymer-based electrolytes to enhance contact between electroactive material particles and the electrolyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid-state electrolyte is used to replace liquid electrolyte and separator, then safety and shelf life are improved, but power capability deteriorates due to high interfacial resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous conductive coating layer on the solid-state electrolyte surface and forms porous conductive networks within the electrode active material particles. These porous structures increase the surface area and create multiple contact pathways, reducing interfacial resistance while maintaining the safety advantages of solid-state electrolytes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures by combining solid-state electrolyte particles with conductive materials (such as metal nanoparticles or conductive polymers) to form composite coatings and composite active material particles. This composite approach enhances interfacial conductivity while preserving the inherent safety benefits of solid-state electrolytes.
2Temperature
If solid-state electrolyte particles are used in electrodes, then thermal management is simplified, but contact between active particles and electrolyte is limited, reducing power capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by creating conductive coatings specifically at the interface between solid-state electrolyte particles and active material particles. The porous conductive coating is localized at the critical interface regions where contact is needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure, thereby improving local conductivity without compromising overall thermal management benefits.
3Power
If uniform distribution of solid-state electrolyte is achieved, then power capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-forming porous conductive coatings on solid-state electrolyte particles before electrode assembly, and pre-forming porous structures within active material particles during their synthesis. This preliminary preparation ensures uniform distribution and good contact interfaces are established before the electrodes are stacked, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the additional processing steps.
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
This approach improves the power capabilities of solid-state batteries by enhancing the distribution and contact of solid-state electrolytes within the electrodes, reducing the required amount of electrolyte and increasing performance.
Implementation Method 1
impregnating the one or more solid-state electrodes with a solid-state electrolyte precursor solution so as to fill the plurality of apertures and any other void or pores within the one or more electrodes
Implementation Method 2
heating the one or more electrodes so as to solidify the solid-state electrolyte precursor solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a solid-state electrochemical cell having a uniformly distributed solid-state electrolyte and methods of fabrication relating thereto. The method may include forming a plurality of apertures within the one or more solid-state electrodes; impregnating the one or more solid-state electrodes with a solid-state electrolyte precursor solution so as to fill the plurality of apertures and any other void or pores within the one or more electrodes with the solid-state electrolyte precursor solution; and heating the one or more electrodes so as to solidify the solid-state electrolyte precursor solution and to form the distributed solid-state electrolyte.