Sulfide Solid-State Lithium Battery Cathode for Safe Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lithium-ion batteries face safety issues due to solvent leakage and flammability, and traditional solid-state batteries suffer from poor rate capability, low ionic conductivity, interfacial instability, and low active material loading, while high-temperature molten salt batteries are impractical for room temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of bulk-type all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) with sulfide glass-ceramic solid electrolytes and transition metal sulfide cathodes, such as FeS2, that enable reversible operation at ambient temperatures, confining electro-active species to prevent agglomeration and enhance energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then ionic conductivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to solvent leakage and flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, using sulfide glass-ceramic materials that provide solid-state ionic conduction without the flammability and leakage issues of liquid electrolytes. This parameter change resolves the safety-conductivity contradiction by maintaining high ionic conductivity in solid form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sulfide glass-ceramic materials that combine the advantages of both glass and ceramic phases, achieving high ionic conductivity while maintaining structural stability and safety. The composite structure allows optimization of both safety and conductivity properties simultaneously.
2Reliability
If traditional solid-state batteries are used, then safety is improved, but rate capability and ionic conductivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition and crystal structure parameters of solid electrolytes, using sulfide-based glass-ceramics with specific compositions that enable high ionic conductivity at room temperature, thereby improving rate capability while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes nanoscale porous structures and interfaces in the solid electrolyte to enhance ion transport pathways, improving rate capability without compromising the safety advantages of solid-state design.
3Productivity
If high-temperature molten salt batteries are used, then ionic conductivity is improved, but operating temperature requirements worsen practical applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and phase structure parameters of solid electrolytes to achieve high ionic conductivity at room temperature, eliminating the need for high-temperature operation while maintaining practical conductivity levels.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional battery designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy density deteriorates due to agglomeration of electro-active species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery into distinct solid-state components with well-defined interfaces, preventing agglomeration of electro-active species through physical separation and confinement, thereby enhancing energy density while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
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 solution achieves high energy density, stable performance at elevated temperatures, and prevents thermal runaway, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
sulfide glass-ceramic solid electrolytes and transition metal sulfide cathodes, such as FeS2, that enable reversible operation at ambient temperatures
Implementation Method 2
confining electro-active species to prevent agglomeration and enhance energy density
Implementation Method 3
stable performance at elevated temperatures, and prevents thermal runaway
Data Source
AI summary
An all-solid-state lithium battery, thermo-electromechanical activation of Li2S in sulfide based solid state electrolyte with transition metal sulfides, and electromechanical evolution of a bulk-type all-solid-state iron sulfur cathode, are disclosed. An example all-solid-state lithium battery includes a cathode having a transition metal sulfide mixed with elemental sulfur to increase electrical conductivity. In one example method of in-situ electromechanically synthesis of Pyrite (FeS2) from Sulfide (FeS) and elemental sulfur (S) precursors for operation of a solid-state lithium battery, FeS+S composite electrodes are cycled at moderately elevated temperatures.