Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Manufacturing via Ball Milling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium batteries face challenges with organic liquid electrolytes due to flammability, volatility, and leakage, while inorganic solid electrolytes require improvements in stability and processing costs for high energy density applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte using a precursor mixture of lithium sulfide, germanium sulfide, aluminum sulfide, phosphorus sulfide, and sulfur, processed through ball milling and crystallization at controlled temperatures to form Li9.7Al0.3Ge0.7P2S12, enhancing ionic conductivity and purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic liquid electrolyte is used, then high ionic conductivity is achieved, but flammability, volatility, and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid by using sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolyte materials. This parameter change eliminates the harmful properties of liquid electrolytes (flammability, volatility, leakage) while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful selection of sulfide-based compounds with appropriate crystal structures and ionic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sulfide-based materials combining multiple elements (Li, Ge, Al, P, S) to create an inorganic solid electrolyte that achieves both high ionic conductivity and enhanced stability. The composite structure allows optimization of ionic pathways while maintaining mechanical integrity and chemical stability.
2Reliability
If inorganic solid electrolyte is used, then stability is improved, but processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes processing parameters including sintering temperature (900-1100°C), pressure conditions, and atmosphere control to achieve high-quality solid electrolyte products. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent reduces energy consumption and processing time while maintaining product quality, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a precursor mixture that replicates the desired final composition and structure, allowing for controlled formation of the solid electrolyte phase during sintering. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating complex multi-step synthesis procedures and reducing the need for expensive equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If inorganic solid electrolyte is used, then processing cost is reduced, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite sulfide-based materials combining multiple elements (Li, Ge, Al, P, S) to create an inorganic solid electrolyte that achieves both high ionic conductivity and enhanced stability. The composite structure allows optimization of ionic pathways while maintaining mechanical integrity and chemical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inert atmosphere processing during sintering and handling to prevent oxidation and degradation of the sulfide-based electrolyte. This protective measure maintains the stability and purity of the electrolyte material throughout manufacturing and operation, ensuring long-term reliability.
4Quantity of substance
If lithium battery is designed for high energy density, then energy storage capacity increases, but performance under severe operating environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite sulfide-based materials combining multiple elements (Li, Ge, Al, P, S) to create an inorganic solid electrolyte that achieves both high ionic conductivity and enhanced stability. The composite structure allows optimization of ionic pathways while maintaining mechanical integrity and chemical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the crystal structure and composition parameters of the sulfide-based electrolyte to achieve high ionic conductivity at operating temperatures. By adjusting the ratio of elements and controlling the sintering parameters, the patent creates an electrolyte that maintains stable performance across a wide temperature range and under high energy density conditions.
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 resulting sulfide-based solid electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity and purity, improving the stability and applicability of lithium batteries, particularly in severe operating environments, while reducing processing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the mixing process may be conducted by a ball milling process using an inert gas
Implementation Method 2
crystallizing the mixture to form a compound represented by Li9.7Al0.3Ge0.7P2S12
Implementation Method 3
the crystallizing of the mixture may be conducted at about 500° C. to about 600° C. for about 6 hours to about 8 hours
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for manufacturing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte including preparing a precursor comprising lithium sulfide, germanium sulfide, aluminum sulfide, phosphorus sulfide, and sulfur, conducting a mixing process of the precursor to prepare a mixture, and crystallizing the mixture to form a compound represented by Li9.7Al0.3Ge0.7P2S12. The sulfide-based solid electrolyte may have high ionic conductivity.