Background: Lithium ion batteries are used in a wide variety of consumer goods such as cell phones mp3 players and digital cameras. These products are becoming increasingly smaller requiring a smaller battery. Although lithium-based batteries provide superior energy densities over other battery types lithium is high reactive with water. To safeguard against fire and thermal runaway lithium batteries are currently encapsulated in packaging containing vents and thermal interrupts which are space consuming. Eliminating the need for packaging reduces battery size and cost. Description: Michigan State University’s invention involves a new method of synthesizing cubic lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LiLaZrO or LLZO) powders and consolidating the powders into a forms useful to solid state Li/Na ion batteries and Li/Na seawater/air semi fuel cells. LLZO serves as the electrolyte is not moisture sensitive and is stable when in contact with lithium. Integration of highly ordered hierarchical cathode electrodes with the ceramic electrolyte improves battery performance by reducing cathodic fowling. This new electrolyte improves safety and performance. The invention includes a new procedure to construct the cathode which maintains mass transport of oxygen and reduces fowling at the cathode. It also includes a new sol-gel method to synthesize the LiLaZrO electrolyte which is easier and more environmentally friendly and a new procedure to construct the Li anode/LiLaZrO electrolyte interface that lowers impedance. Applications: (1) Primary battery applications such as cameras flashlights GPS units (2) Backup power (3) Military such as radios GPS units and night vision equipment IP Protection Status: Patent pending
(1) Stable in air (2) Increased power density (3) No need for exterior packaging making the battery smaller