A team of researchers from MIT and Samsung have invented a new approach for manufacturing oxide-based and thin solid-state electrolytes that doesn’t require sintering. In an article published in Energy & Environmental Science, the researchers write: “We report a ceramic manufacturing method termed sequential decomposition synthesis (SDS), which results in ceramic films with thicknesses between 1 and 10 μm, while keeping the maximum process temperature below 700° C.”

These thicknesses, the researchers say, are “close to the thicknesses of today’s LIB polymer separators.”

According to the researchers, “the ‘sinter-less’ densification of Li garnets at low temperatures using SDS enables the future integration of a wider range of cobalt-free cathodes such as LiFePO₄ or LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄.”

The researchers note other advantages too. “Due to the wider electrochemical stability window of SDS-manufactured solid electrolytes like Li garnets and potential to integrate excess Li during the SDS process, this represents an important step to delivering cost-effective ceramic process alternatives toward established polymer battery separators.”

Source: Energy & Environmental Science via Green Car Congress