Solid Hybrid Electrolyte Featuring a Vertically Aligned Li_6.4La_3.0Zr_1.4Ta_0.6O₁₂ Membrane for All-Solid-State Lithium...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Solid-State Batteries

Background:

• All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) offer enhanced safety over liquid electrolyte Li-ion batteries.
• Practical application of ASSLBs is hindered by limitations in solid electrolyte properties like ionic conductivity and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel solid hybrid electrolyte (SHE) for improved ASSLB performance and safety.
• To investigate the properties and electrochemical behavior of a hybrid electrolyte based on a vertically aligned LLZO membrane and a polymer electrolyte.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a vertically aligned Li$_{6.4}$La$_{3.0}$Zr$_{1.4}$Ta$_{0.6}$O$_{12}$ (LLZO) membrane via phase inversion and sintering.
• Infusion of the LLZO membrane with a poly(ε-caprolactone)-based solid polymer electrolyte to create the SHE.
• Assembly and testing of a solid-state Li/LiNi$_{0.78}$Co$_{0.10}$Mn$_{0.12}$O$_{2}$ cell using the developed SHE.

Main Results:

• The SHE demonstrated high ionic conductivity, excellent electrochemical stability, and a high Li$^{+}$ transference number.
• Enhanced thermal stability and improved interfacial stability between the Li metal electrode and the solid electrolyte were observed.
• The assembled solid-state cell exhibited promising cycling performance, including good discharge capacity, stability, and rate capability.

Conclusions:

• The developed solid hybrid electrolyte, utilizing a vertically aligned LLZO membrane, is a viable candidate for safe and high-performance ASSLBs.
• This research addresses key challenges in solid electrolyte development for next-generation lithium battery technologies.