by A group of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in the production of lithium ceramic batteries, which could lead to more cost-efficient and powerful rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The challenge lies in finding a production method that does not require sintering at high temperatures. However, in a recent study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, the research team introduced a sinter-free method for efficient, low-temperature synthesis of lithium ceramics in a conductive crystalline form.
The development of batteries for electric vehicles is primarily driven by two factors: power, which determines the vehicle’s range, and cost, which is crucial in competing with internal combustion engines. To accelerate the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the US Department of Energy has set ambitious goals for reducing production costs and increasing the energy density of batteries by 2030. These targets cannot be achieved with conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Solid-state batteries, which use solid components instead of liquid organic electrolytes, offer a promising solution. These batteries consist of solid electrolytes and separators, creating smaller, lighter, more powerful, and safer batteries. A thin ceramic layer serves as both the solid electrolyte and separator, effectively preventing dangerous short circuits and thermal runaway. Moreover, solid-state batteries do not contain easily inflammable liquids.
One suitable ceramic electrolyte for high-energy density cells is the garnet-type lithium oxide Li7La3Zr2O12-d (LLZO). However, the LLZO must be sintered with the cathode at temperatures above 1050 °C to achieve the required crystalline phase and density. Unfortunately, temperatures above 600 °C destabilize low-cobalt or cobalt-free cathode materials, driving up production costs and energy consumption. Therefore, new production methods are needed to overcome these challenges.
The research team, led by Jennifer L. M. Rupp from MIT and TU Munich, has now developed a revolutionary synthetic process that does not rely on a ceramic precursor compound. Instead, they used a liquid precursor, which undergoes sequential decomposition synthesis to form LLZO. Through their analysis of the crystallization process and the development of a time-temperature-transformation diagram, the team optimized conditions for the synthesis. They achieved the formation of the required crystalline form of LLZO (cLLZO) at a relatively low temperature of 500 °C without sintering. This method allows for the integration of a solid LLZO electrolyte with sustainable cathodes, potentially eliminating the need for cobalt and other critical elements.
The development of cobalt-free battery production for electric vehicles is a significant step towards achieving more cost-efficient and powerful rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries could help drive the widespread adoption of electric vehicles by offering improved performance and reduced production costs. The innovative synthetic process developed by the research team paves the way for more sustainable and economical battery production in the future.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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