Sulfidic Solid Electrolyte Precursor for Homogeneous Gas-Phase Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing solid electrolytes, such as lithium argyrodite type solid electrolytes, suffer from inhomogeneous reactant distribution and impurities, leading to impaired electronic properties and require costly solvent-based purification steps.
Innovation Solution
A solid/gas phase method involving the reaction of a lithium salt with sulfur- and halogen-containing gases at elevated temperatures, followed by contact with a Y-containing component, to produce a homogeneous and pure solid electrolyte precursor, which is then converted into a solid electrolyte with improved properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solid phase synthesis methods are used to produce solid electrolytes, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the reactant distribution is inhomogeneous and impurities remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the reactants from solid to gaseous phase. The sulfur- and halogen-containing components are introduced as gases that react with the lithium salt, enabling homogeneous distribution throughout the solid electrolyte precursor without the inhomogeneity problems of solid-state mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas phase reactants (sulfur- and halogen-containing gases) that can penetrate and react uniformly throughout the solid lithium salt precursor. This pneumatic approach ensures homogeneous distribution of sulfur and halogen atoms, eliminating the aggregation and inhomogeneity issues inherent in solid-state mixing methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If solid phase synthesis methods are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but impurities and secondary phases form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the reactants from solid to gaseous phase. The sulfur- and halogen-containing components are introduced as gases that react with the lithium salt, enabling homogeneous distribution throughout the solid electrolyte precursor without the inhomogeneity problems of solid-state mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas phase reactants (sulfur- and halogen-containing gases) that can penetrate and react uniformly throughout the solid lithium salt precursor. This pneumatic approach ensures homogeneous distribution of sulfur and halogen atoms, eliminating the aggregation and inhomogeneity issues inherent in solid-state mixing methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If solvent-based methods are used to improve reactant distribution, then homogeneity improves, but costly and time-consuming purification steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the organic solvent from the synthesis process entirely. By using gas phase reactants that directly react with the solid lithium salt, the method avoids forming solvent-containing products that would require separation, drying, and washing steps, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs gas phase reactants (sulfur- and halogen-containing gases) that can penetrate and react uniformly throughout the solid lithium salt precursor. This pneumatic approach ensures homogeneous distribution of sulfur and halogen atoms, eliminating the aggregation and inhomogeneity issues inherent in solid-state mixing methods.
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 yields a solid electrolyte with high purity and homogeneity, exhibiting enhanced ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, free from unreacted starting materials and secondary phases.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a solid electrolyte precursor having the formula Li(2a+b)SaXb with an at least partially gaseous Y-containing component
Implementation Method 2
contacting a Y-containing component with the solid electrolyte precursor of step (a), wherein step (b) is performed at elevated temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte, its precursor, methods for producing the same as well as its use, e.g. in electrochemical cells or capacitors, fuel cells, batteries, and sensors. The solid electrolyte may be represented by the following formula (II):wherein X is independently selected from group 17 elements, preferably Cl, Br and I, Y is independently selected from P, As, Ge, Si, B, Sn, Ga, Al, and Sb, 4≤n≤5, 4≤c≤6, and 0<d≤2, being substantially free from reflections in a X-ray powder diffractogram using CuKa radiation at a 2θ angle [°]:17.5, 18.0, 32.5, 34.9, 44.8, 46.7, 50.2 and/or 53.1.