Background
Solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivities are a critical requirement to enable safer lithium (Li) based batteries coupled with high energy density cathodes. However, it remains a grand challenge to achieve SSE with high ion conductivity along with long-term chemomechanical and electrochemical liabilities.
Driven by the increasing demand for energy worldwide, the goal is to develop stable metal sulfide solid-state electrolyte (SSE) for high-energy, high-power, safe, and reliable batteries.
Technology Overview
A key requirement to enable high energy density solid-state batteries is to have a solid electrolyte with a broad electrochemical stability window. Due to their high ionic conductivity and favorable mechanical features for lamination, sulfide composites have been receiving increasing attention as solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries. Their smaller electronegativity and binding energy to Li ions and a bigger atomic radius provide high ionic conductivity and make them attractive for practical applications. However, sulfide solid electrolytes still face numerous challenges including a small voltage stability window and unstable electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
Basic mechanisms of ion conduction and reactivities of metal sulfide by operando and ex-situ characterization improve the metal sulfide stability and develop all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASLBs) with long cycling stability within a wide voltage window, through interface engineering.
In this invention, Northeastern University Researchers studied the mechanism of instability through operando characterization and understand the mechanisms that cause instability.
Benefits
- Delivery of a method for producing high-energy, high-power, safe, and reliable batteries
Applications
- Automotive and portable electronics power
Opportunity
- License
- Partnering
- Research collaboration
