Spinel Solid Electrolyte Composition for Safe Lithium-Ion Conduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid electrolyte materials for batteries lack high lithium ion conductivity and stability, particularly in all-solid-state batteries, and may generate hazardous hydrogen sulfide when exposed to the atmosphere.

Innovation Solution

A solid electrolyte material with a spinel structure, composed of Li, M1 (Mg or Zn), M2 (Al, Ga, Y, In, Bi), and X (F, Cl, Br, I), which enhances lithium ion conductivity by creating Li vacancies and avoiding sulfur, thus ensuring safety and high ion conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sulfide solid electrolyte material is used, then lithium ion conductivity can be achieved, but hydrogen sulfide is generated when exposed to atmosphere causing safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion conductivityVSAvoidhydrogen sulfide generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing sulfur with halide elements (F, Cl, Br, I) in the solid electrolyte material. This compositional parameter change eliminates the harmful hydrogen sulfide generation while maintaining the spinel structure and lithium ion conductivity through appropriate selection of M1 (Mg, Zn) and M2 (Al, Ga, Y, In, Bi) elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful sulfur-containing compound into a beneficial halide-based compound. By replacing sulfur with halide elements, the material that would have generated toxic hydrogen sulfide is transformed into a safe material that maintains high lithium ion conductivity and adds atmospheric stability as a beneficial property.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If conventional solid electrolyte materials are used, then battery operation is possible, but lithium ion conductivity and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion conductivityVSAvoidmaterial stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material design by combining multiple elements (Li, M1 from Mg/Zn, M2 from Al/Ga/Y/In/Bi, and halide X) in a specific spinel structure. This composite approach achieves both high lithium ion conductivity and enhanced stability by leveraging the synergistic effects of different elements within the structured framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating Li vacancies at specific positions in the spinel structure through controlled substitution of M1 and M2 elements. These localized vacancies in the crystal structure provide preferential pathways for lithium ion transport, enhancing conductivity while the overall composition maintains stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If expensive elements are used to achieve high lithium ion conductivity, then ion conductivity improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion conductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts inexpensive elements (Mg, Zn, Al, Ga, Y, In, Bi, and halide elements) that are abundant and cost-effective compared to rare expensive materials. This approach achieves high lithium ion conductivity through optimized composition and spinel structure rather than relying on costly materials, making the solid electrolyte economically viable for commercial battery production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 material achieves high lithium ion conductivity and stability, preventing hydrogen sulfide generation, and is cost-effective due to the use of inexpensive elements like Mg and Zn, making it suitable for safe and efficient all-solid-state batteries.

Implementation Method 1

the solid electrolyte material has high lithium ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12009476B2Solid electrolyte material and battery using same

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a solid electrolyte material having high lithium ion conductivity. The solid electrolyte material of the present disclosure includes Li, M1, M2 and X, and has a spinel structure. M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg and Zn. M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, Y, In and Bi. X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I.