Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Composition for Low-Cost Ion Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic electrolyte-based batteries face safety issues and are limited by high production costs, necessitating the development of solid-state electrolytes with improved mechanical and chemical stability, high energy density, and wide electrochemical stability, which are economically feasible.
Innovation Solution
Development of sulfide solid electrolytes with the formula AzMwSvCl4-yXy, utilizing naturally abundant elements and synthesized via a fast route, offering good ionic conductivity and low electronic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If halide solid electrolytes incorporate rare elements (Y, Er, Sc, In) to achieve high Li-ion conductivity, then ionic conductivity is improved, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive rare elements (Y, Er, Sc, In) with abundant and inexpensive elements such as Li, Na, K, Zr, Hf, Ti, and common halogens (Cl, Br, I). This substitution directly addresses the cost issue while maintaining the desired ionic conductivity through optimized stoichiometric ratios and structural design of the sulfide-based solid electrolyte composition AzMwSvCl4-yXy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high ionic conductivity without rare elements by adjusting compositional parameters (stoichiometric ratios of A, M, S, Cl, and X elements) and structural parameters (amorphous vs. crystalline phases, density, and microstructure). These parameter optimizations enable the use of abundant elements while achieving conductivity levels previously only attainable with rare earth elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If organic electrolytes are used in commercial batteries, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but safety issues arise due to limited mechanical and chemical stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from organic to inorganic solid-state electrolytes by changing the fundamental chemical composition parameters. The sulfide-based solid electrolyte AzMwSvCl4-yXy exhibits superior mechanical strength, chemical stability, and thermal resistance compared to organic electrolytes, while maintaining manufacturability through simple solid-state synthesis routes and sintering processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite solid electrolyte system combining multiple elements (alkali/alkaline earth metals A, transition metals M, sulfur, chlorine, and halogens X) in specific ratios. This composite structure provides enhanced mechanical integrity and chemical stability compared to single-component materials, while the solid-state nature eliminates the safety hazards associated with flammable organic electrolytes.
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 sulfide electrolytes provide cost-effective, high ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and electrochemical stability, suitable for use in batteries and sensors, enhancing ion transport efficiency and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
The electrolytes have good ionic conductivity and low electronic 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 sulfide solid electrolytes and synthesis of sulfide solid electrolytes. The electrolytes have the general formula AzMwSvCl4-yXy and exhibit good ionic conductivity. The electrolytes are relatively cost-effective to produce, as they contain naturally abundant elements, and can be synthesized via a relatively fast synthesis route. The electrolytes can be a component of different types of batteries or sensors for ion detection.