Solid-State Sodium-Ion Electrolyte Composition for Dendrite Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of efficient sodium-ion conducting electrolytes is hindered by challenges in achieving high ionic conductivity and preventing dendrite formation, which limits the performance and safety of sodium-ion batteries for energy storage applications.
Innovation Solution
The synthesis of high-performance sodium ion electrolytes with the formula Nau+yNw−yMyLazCl3−vXv is achieved through mechanochemical milling of highly pure salts in an inert atmosphere, resulting in superionic conductivity with negligible electron transport, suitable for energy storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional liquid electrolytes are used in sodium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity can be achieved, but safety is compromised and dendrite formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the electrolyte from liquid phase to solid phase by synthesizing crystalline sodium chloride-based compounds. This phase transition eliminates the safety issues and dendrite formation associated with liquid electrolytes while maintaining high ionic conductivity through the solid-state crystal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite solid-state electrolyte materials by combining sodium chloride with other alkali metal halides (such as potassium chloride, rubidium chloride, cesium chloride) to form composite crystalline structures. This composite approach enhances ionic conductivity while maintaining the safety advantages of solid-state electrolytes.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If solid-state electrolytes are developed to improve safety, then dendrite formation is reduced, but achieving high ionic conductivity becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the composition parameters of the solid-state electrolyte by adjusting the ratios of sodium chloride to other alkali metal halides. This parameter optimization enables achieving high ionic conductivity (comparable to or exceeding liquid electrolytes) while maintaining the dendrite-suppressing properties of solid-state materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local structural environments within the crystal lattice that facilitate rapid sodium ion transport. By incorporating different alkali metal halides in specific proportions, the patent generates localized regions with optimized ionic conductivity while maintaining overall structural stability for dendrite suppression.
3Quantity of substance
If lithium-ion batteries are used for energy storage, then high energy density is achieved, but resource scarcity and high cost limit widespread adoption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and scarce lithium-based materials with abundant and inexpensive sodium chloride-based solid-state electrolytes. This substitution dramatically reduces material costs and eliminates dependence on scarce lithium resources, making energy storage systems economically viable for widespread adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the sodium-based electrolyte to achieve energy density levels comparable to lithium-ion batteries. By carefully adjusting the ratios of different alkali metal halides, the patent maximizes the energy storage capacity of sodium-ion systems while maintaining cost advantages.
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 method enables rapid and scalable production of electrolytes with enhanced ionic conductivity, ensuring safety and performance in energy storage devices, overcoming the limitations of traditional liquid electrolytes and lithium scarcity.
Implementation Method 1
The synthesis of high-performance sodium ion electrolytes with the formula Nau+yNw−yMyLazCl3−vXv is achieved through mechanochemical milling of highly pure salts in an inert atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
The electrolytes possess superionic conductivity and display a low electronic conductivity, which ensures negligible electron transport contribution to the measured total conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure, in one aspect, relates to the efficient and rapid synthesis of high-performance sodium ion electrolytes. The electrolytes have the general formula Nau+yNw−yMyLazCl3−vXv. The electrolytes possess superionic conductivity and display a low electronic conductivity, which ensures negligible electron transport contribution to the measured total conductivity and thereby enhancing safety when applied in energy storage devices. The synthesis of the electrolytes is significantly faster when compared to the synthesis of lithium electrolytes and the process can be scalable to produce large amounts of electrolytes.