Solution-Based Synthesis and Characterization of Lithium-Ion Conducting Phosphate Ceramics for Lithium Metal Batteries

TLDR

High‑conductivity solid electrolytes, such as lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) ceramics, are promising for ultra‑high‑energy batteries like Li/air and Li/sulfur. The authors synthesized Li₁.₃Al₀.₃Ti₁.₇(PO₄)₃ powders by a low‑temperature (650 °C) solution‑based route and characterized them with XRD, MAS‑NMR, SEM, and TGA, investigating how Li/Al local structure and impurities influence morphology and sinterability.

Abstract

High conductivity solid electrolytes are promising solutions for extremely high energy density battery systems including Li/air and Li/sulfur. Lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) ceramics have among the highest reported ionic conductivities and are promising candidates as solid electrolytes. Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 powders were synthesized for the first time via a solution-based method at synthesis temperatures as low as 650 °C. The ceramic powders are characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, solid state magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of Li and Al local structure and the presence of amorphous and crystalline impurities on electrolyte morphology and sinterability have been studied in detail.