Sulfidic Solid Electrolyte Synthesis via Stoichiometric Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing solid electrolytes, such as sulfidic lithium argyrodite, often result in inhomogeneous structures and impurities due to inadequate distribution of reactants, leading to compromised electronic properties like ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability.
Innovation Solution
A solid state reaction method involving a precursor with specific stoichiometry and dopants, where lithium salts are reacted with sulfur-containing gases and Y-containing components at elevated temperatures, ensuring a homogeneous and pure phase solid electrolyte with improved electronic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solid phase synthesis methods are used to produce sulfidic lithium argyrodite, then the production process is simple and cost-effective, but the resulting solid electrolyte contains impurities and has an inhomogeneous structure due to inadequate distribution of reactants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the solid reactants (lithium salt, sulfur-containing compound, and Y-containing compound) in specific stoichiometric ratios before the actual synthesis reaction. This pre-mixing step ensures homogeneous distribution of all components throughout the reaction mixture, preventing local accumulations that would lead to impurities and secondary phases. The reactants are thoroughly combined in advance so that when heating occurs, the reaction proceeds uniformly throughout the material, producing a homogeneous solid electrolyte with high purity and eliminating the need for additional separation or purification steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If solvent based methods are used to mix reactants, then a more homogeneous distribution of reactants is achieved, but costly and time consuming separation, drying and washing steps are required to remove the organic solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by completely eliminating the organic solvent from the synthesis process. Instead of using solvent-based mixing followed by separation and purification steps to remove the solvent, the invention directly mixes the solid reactants in their dry powdered form. This approach extracts out the problematic solvent component entirely, achieving homogeneous reactant distribution through direct solid-state mixing without requiring any subsequent separation, drying, or washing steps. The result is a simplified process that maintains homogeneity while avoiding all solvent removal operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If solid phase synthesis is used, then the production process is straightforward, but the electronic properties such as ionic conductivity are impaired due to inhomogeneous structure and impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the stoichiometric ratios of the reactants in the solid phase synthesis process. By carefully controlling the molar ratios of lithium salt, sulfur-containing compound, and Y-containing compound according to the specific formula requirements, the reaction produces a homogeneous solid electrolyte with the correct composition. This stoichiometric optimization ensures that all reactants are completely consumed without forming secondary phases or leaving unreacted starting materials, thereby achieving high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability through precise compositional control while maintaining the simplicity of solid phase synthesis.
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 produces solid electrolytes with enhanced homogeneity, purity, and electronic properties, such as high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, overcoming the limitations of previous techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A solid state reaction method involving a precursor with specific stoichiometry and dopants, where lithium salts are reacted with sulfur-containing gases and Y-containing components at elevated temperatures
Implementation Method 2
reacted with sulfur-containing gases and Y-containing components 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 and capacitors, fuel cells, batteries and sensors.