LATP Solid Electrolytes: 10x Ion Conductivity via Sm2O3 Addition

EE Times Japan Japan

Overview

Researchers from KEK and Kyoto University have increased the ion conductivity of LATP solid electrolytes by approximately 10 times through the addition of samarium oxide (Sm2O3). This breakthrough, achieved by improving grain boundary conduction at the atomic level, supports the development of low-cost all-solid-state batteries.

In Depth

Key Findings

A research group comprising the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) and Kyoto University has developed a method to increase the ion conductivity of the lithium-ion conductive solid electrolyte Li 1.3 Al 0.3 Ti 1.7 (PO 4 ) 3, commonly known as LATP, by nearly 10 times. The team successfully clarified the mechanism of ion conduction at the atomic level, providing a pathway toward more efficient all-solid-state battery materials.

Technical Details

The researchers utilized samarium oxide (Sm 2 O 3 ) as a sintering additive and applied a heat treatment at 1000°C. This process adjusted the atomic arrangement (crystal structure) and microstructure of the LATP. Specifically, LATP with 9wt% Sm 2 O 3 addition exhibited an ion conductivity at 20°C approximately 10 times higher than LATP without the additive.

To verify these results, the team employed the following analytical methods:

• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy: Confirmed a significant improvement in ion conductivity at the inter-particle interfaces.
• Neutron and X-ray Diffraction: Precisely determined the atomic arrangement, revealing that PO 4 3- ions in LATP recombined with the Sm 2 O 3 additive to form SmPO 4 and LiTiOPO 4 phases.

These reactions promoted the refinement of the LATP microstructure and altered the lithium content within the LATP crystal structure.

Background and Significance

LATP is considered a strong candidate for reducing the cost of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries due to its inexpensive raw materials and low manufacturing costs. However, improving ion conductivity has been a critical requirement for its practical application.

By resolving the atomic-level behavior of ion conduction and demonstrating a tenfold increase in performance, this research contributes significantly to the material development of affordable, high-performance all-solid-state batteries.

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