Abstract:
The instant disclosure sets forth multiphase lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having secondary phase inclusions, wherein these secondary phase inclusions are material(s) which is/are not a cubic phase lithium-stuffed garnet but which is/are entrapped or enclosed within a lithium-stuffed garnet. When the secondary phase inclusions described herein are included in a lithium-stuffed garnet at 30-0.1 volume %, the inclusions stabilize the multiphase matrix and allow for improved sintering of the lithium-stuffed garnet. The electrolytes described herein, which include lithium-stuffed garnet with secondary phase inclusions, have an improved sinterability and density compared to phase pure cubic lithium-stuffed garnet having the formula Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 .
Abstract:
Set forth herein are processes and materials for sintering dense thin green films comprising lithium-stuffed garnet powder and a binder to obtain sintered lithium-stuffed garnet thin films. Some of the processes, herein, include providing a first setter and a second setter, wherein the first setter and second setter each include at least 5 atomic % lithium (Li) per setter; placing the green film on the first setter; placing the second setter within 2 cm of the green film but not in contact with the green film; and heating the green film to at least 900 C.
Abstract:
Provided herein are defect-free solid-state separators which are useful as Li + ion- conducting electrolytes in electrochemical cells and devices, such as, but not limited to, rechargeable batteries. In some examples, the separators have a Li + ion-conductivity greater than 1*10 -3 S/cm at room temperature.
Abstract:
Set forth herein are processes and materials for making ceramic thin films by casting ceramic source powders and precursor reactants, binders, and functional additives into unsintered thin films and subsequently sintering the thin films under controlled atmospheres and on specific substrates.
Abstract:
Composite setter plates are fabricated from an inert refractory material and a lithium source material, such as but not limited to Li-stuffed garnet materials which have the same, or substantially similar, compositions as a garnet Li-stuffed solid electrolyte. The composite setter plates, set forth herein, reduce the evaporation of Li during a sintering treatment step and/or reduce the loss of Li caused by diffusion out of the sintering electrolyte. The composite setter plates, set forth herein, also maintain compositional control over the solid electrolyte during sintering when, upon heating, lithium is prone to diffuse out of the solid electrolyte.