Synthesis and characterization of solid state electrolytes for lithium ion batteries

Lithium-based batteries represent one of the most efficient energy storage systems in terms of energy, power density, reliability, and cyclability. However, there is a growing demand for batteries presenting even higher energy densities and quicker discharging and charging performances. On the other hand, lithium-based cells exhibit safety issues that must be solved to allow for high-volume, high-power applications.

Solid-state electrolytes offer, at least in principle, the possibility to address some of these issues. The critical point in the application of solid electrolytes is represented by their relatively low conductivity. Besides that, solid ionic conductors present other disadvantages, such as volume changes during the charge/discharge cycle, the formation of high impedance discharge products, and the difficulty to produce a good and lasting contact with the electrodes.

Our research is focused on oxide electrolytes. This class of compounds presents significant advantages over other types of solid electrolytes, as they show higher chemical and electrochemical stability and low cost. Most details of their conduction mechanisms, however, have still to be clarified, in particular the role of the micro/nanostructure on the overall conduction mechanism.

 Our goal is to investigate the possibilities offered by innovative synthesis and sintering processes to the control of conduction characteristics of this class of materials.