Chemical Compatibility of Solid-State Electrolytes with Hydroflux Cathode-Coating Process

Abstract

We apply the hydroflux method as a potential cathode-coating process for solid-state batteries. The garnet-type Li-ion conductor Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 reacts with the precursor material of LiCoO2. Water molecules in the molten alkaline hydroxide initiate Li+/H+ ion exchange and dissolution of the Zr4+ species. The NASICON-type lithium-ion conductor LATP also reacts with molten hydroxide owing to the formation of soluble species of Al(OH)4− under high pH conditions. Perovskite-type Li0.33La0.55TiO3 is stable under the hydroflux condition because titanium and lanthanum do not form soluble species in alkaline solution. The chemical compatibility of the solid-state electrolyte is mostly estimated using Pourbaix diagram of each element in the system. The solid-state electrolyte containing only insoluble species in an alkaline solution is preferable for the hydroflux cathode-coating process.

Keywords

• hydroflux process
• solid-state batteries
• solid-solid interface
• pourbaix diagram