A Novel Li Conducting Solid State Electrolyte by Sol Gel Technique

Further development of rechargeable lithium batteries requires dramatic improvement of the ionically conducting electrolyte used in the batteries. Most of the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries are due to restrictions imposed by the general use of organic electrolytes, either liquid or polymer, that limit energy density, long term cycle life, and the rate of charge/discharge capability of these batteries. These limitations must be removed before lithium batteries can be viable as a high energy storage medium, such as required for electric vehicle applications. This project will develop a novel inorganic solid state electrolyte prepared by a sol gel technique that solves the problems due to the organic electrolytes, while being cost effective and offering manufacturing scalability. The novel electrolyte will have high lithium-ion conductivity, negligible conductivity of other ions and electrons, and stability with metallic lithium and other critical battery materials for applied voltages above 5V. Phase I developed a novel electrolyte with all of the above characteristics. The novel inorganic electrolyte was prepared by a sol gel technique, suggesting that manufacturing can be achieved at acceptable cost levels. Phase II will fabricate and characterize an all-solid-state lithium battery with the novel inorganic solid electrolyte. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The ever-present gadgets of modern life remain constrained by the availability of power to quench the thirst of power hungry electronics. In addition, the development of batteries with long cycle life and high energy and power densities is of prime importance to the development of successful electric vehicles. The lithium battery technology developed in this project should address these needs.