Background

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have a variety of applications from mobile electronics, such as smart phones and laptops, to electronic cars and electrical energy storage systems. Particularly, for automotive applications, all solid- state Li metal batteries (ASLBs) have the potential to address the problems of liquid Li-ion batteries, such as flammability, limited voltage, poor cycling performance and strength. The current design goal of ASLBs is to increase the energy and power density of LIBs while overcoming the risk of fire. However, Solid-state Electrolyte (SSE) materials need to meet an array of performance requirements, and the widespread adoptions of ASLBs are hindered by two fundamental challenges:

1. Low ionic conductivity of SSEs related to their intrinsic properties.

2. Structural and chemo-mechanical failures at the SSE/electrode interface causing dendrite penetration

Therefore, there is a need for the design of a non-toxic, highly conductive, mechanically stable solid-state Li metal battery.

Technology Overview

Northeastern Researchers have synthesized powdered filler material containing a novel morphology for use in composite solid electrolytes of solid-state lithium metal batteries. The material contains a hollow spherical shape, which causes it to fill space in a more uniform way than a regular simple powder with less agglomeration of filler particles. Improved conductivity across the battery electrolyte can increase the energy density of the battery. While tests to date have involved the use of polyethylene oxide (PEO) for the polymer and lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) for the filler, this approach could be used with other polymers and fillers. The work of researchers at Northeastern demonstrates the promise of microstructural engineering of CSE filler materials beyond low dimensional shapes such as fibers and rods.

Benefits

• Produces 7.8x higher conductivity than regular powder and 19x higher than the polymer film with no filler
• Makes the CSE much stronger, which may also be beneficial by stopping Li dendrites.
• Highest ever reported conductivity for PEO and LATP
• The hollow spherical shape fills space more efficiently than a regular powder.

Applications

• Solid-state Li batteries
• Solid-state electrochemical devices.

Opportunity

Seeking licensee and/or industry partner.