Zirconium Garnet Solid Electrolyte for High Conductivity Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solid lithium ion conductors, such as Li2.9PO3.3N0.46 and Li-β-aluminium oxide, face issues like low ion conductivity, sensitivity to moisture, and chemical instability, making them unsuitable for high-performance rechargeable batteries, while garnet-like lithium ion conductors with niobium or tantalum are expensive and complex to use.

Innovation Solution

The development of garnet-like solid ion conductors with zirconium instead of niobium or tantalum, specifically in the composition Li7+xAxLa3−xZr2O12, which offers higher ion conductivity, chemical stability, and reduced electron conductivity, allowing for the creation of stable and efficient solid-state electrolytes for lithium batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If Li2.9PO3.3N0.46 is used as solid ion conductor, then battery miniaturization is enabled, but ion conductivity is significantly lower than liquid electrolytes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery sizeVSAvoidion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the solid ion conductor by using lithium-rich garnet structure (Li7La3Zr2O12) with specific stoichiometry, achieving high ion conductivity (10^-3 to 10^-4 S/cm) while maintaining solid state, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material strategy by combining lithium ions (Li+), lanthanum (La), zirconium (Zr), and oxygen (O) in a specific garnet structure, creating a new class of solid electrolyte that achieves both high ion conductivity and compact form factor suitable for miniaturized batteries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If Li3N is used as solid ion conductor, then high ion conductivity is achieved, but sensitivity to moisture and chemical instability occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conductivityVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a composite garnet structure (Li7La3Zr2O12) that combines multiple elements with complementary properties: lithium for ion conduction, lanthanum for structural stability, zirconium for chemical inertness and moisture resistance, creating a composite material that achieves both high ion conductivity and excellent chemical stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The zirconium-containing garnet structure creates an inherently inert and moisture-resistant environment for lithium ion conduction, eliminating the sensitivity to moisture and chemical instability problems associated with Li3N while maintaining high ion conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Stability of the object's composition

If Li-β-aluminium oxide is used as solid ion conductor, then chemical stability is achieved, but ion conductivity is insufficient for high-performance batteries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the structural and compositional parameters by adopting a cubic garnet structure with lithium-rich stoichiometry (Li7La3Zr2O12), which provides three-dimensional lithium ion conduction pathways and achieves ion conductivity an order of magnitude higher than Li-β-aluminium oxide while maintaining chemical stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 zirconium-based garnet-like ion conductors provide enhanced ion conductivity, chemical stability, and reduced manufacturing costs, enabling the production of high-energy density, long-lasting solid-state lithium batteries with improved safety and power capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

garnet-like solid ion conductors with zirconium instead of niobium or tantalum, specifically in the composition Li7+xAxLa3−xZr2O12, which offers higher ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9450271B2Electrode which has been coated with a solid ion conductor which has a garnet-like crystal structure and has the stoichiometric composition L7+XAXG3−XZr2O12

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 BASF SE

AI summary

The invention id directed to an article which contains a solid ion conductor which has a garnet-like crystal structure and has the stoichiometric composition L7+xAxG3−xZr2O12, whereL is in each case independently a monovalent cation,A is in each case independently a divalent cation,G is in each case independently a trivalent cation,0 ≦x≦3 andO can be partly or completely replaced by divalent or trivalent anion,wherein the article is a battery, an accumulator, a supercap, a fuel cell, sensor, a thermoelectric converter or an electrochromic device.