Trigonal NaxLi3-xYCl6 Solid Electrolyte for Flammability-Free Batteries

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Developing effective solid electrolytes for solid-state lithium-ion batteries is challenging due to safety, thermal stability, energy density, and working temperature range limitations, particularly with conventional liquid electrolytes, which are flammable and pose fire hazards.

Innovation Solution

The compound NaxLi3-xYCl6, where 0 < x < 3, is used as a solid-state battery electrolyte with a trigonal ordered crystal structure, exhibiting effective ionic conductivity, formability, oxidation/reduction stability, and compatibility with anode and cathode materials, enabling the creation of solid-state lithium-ion, sodium-ion, or dual ion batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional liquid electrolytes are used in lithium-ion batteries, then the batteries can operate with basic ionic conductivity, but the batteries become flammable and pose safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidflammability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the safety characteristics while maintaining ionic conductivity functionality. The solid electrolyte NaxLi3-xYCl6 eliminates flammability inherent in liquid organic electrolytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite solid electrolyte material NaxLi3-xYCl6 that combines multiple elements (Na, Li, Y, Cl) in a specific stoichiometric ratio to achieve both safety and ionic conductivity. This composite approach allows optimization of both safety and functional properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If solid-state lithium-ion batteries are developed to improve safety and thermal stability, then better safety and thermal performance are achieved, but effective solid electrolyte materials remain challenging to develop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidsolid electrolyte development

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the solid electrolyte by varying x in NaxLi3-xYCl6 (where 0 < x < 3) to achieve optimal ionic conductivity and stability. This parameter optimization approach systematically addresses the challenge of developing effective solid electrolytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sodium (Na) substitution at specific lattice positions in the Li3YCl6 structure, creating local compositional variations that enhance ionic conductivity while maintaining overall structural stability. This local quality modification addresses the electrolyte development challenge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If solid electrolytes are used to achieve better energy density and power density, then improved energy and power characteristics are potential benefits, but the electrolytes must function effectively across broader temperature ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower densityVSAvoidtemperature range

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the compositional parameter x in NaxLi3-xYCl6 to optimize ionic conductivity across different temperatures. The solid electrolyte maintains effective function from sub-zero to elevated temperatures, enabling broader operating range for high power density applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-element composite structure NaxLi3-xYCl6 provides inherent thermal stability and maintains ionic conductivity across wide temperature ranges, enabling the battery to achieve both high power density and broad temperature adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 NaxLi3-xYCl6 compound enhances ionic conductivity, reduces activation energy, and provides stability, making it suitable for various battery applications, including improved safety and broader temperature ranges compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Implementation Method 1

The disclosed compound can exhibit characteristics beneficial for solid-state battery electrolyte applications. Such characteristics include, for example, effective ionic conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250105344A1Solid-state battery with enhanced solid electrolyte

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a solid-state battery comprising an anode, cathode, and solid electrolyte disposed between and in conductive contact with the anode and the cathode. The solid electrolyte comprises the compound NaxLi3-xYCl6 (0<x<3), which can have a trigonal ordered crystal structure. The solid-state battery can be configured as a lithium-ion battery or as a sodium-ion battery.