Abstract: 

The present invention discloses a novel glassy electrolyte for lithium or sodium ions conduction. The electrolyte presents two essential properties: it is a superionic conductor of lithium or sodium ions and an electrical insulator. The glassy electrolyte is anti-flammable, light, recyclable, easily synthesizable and costless. It can be used in high voltage batteries.

Background: 

Three types of next generation batteries are currently being envisaged among the international community: metal-air batteries, multivalent cation batteries and all solid- state battery concepts. These 3 battery designs require high-performance, safe and cost effective electrolytes that are compatible with optimized electrode materials.

Solid state electrolytes have not yet been extensively employed in commercial batteries as they suffer poor ionic conduction at acceptable temperatures and insufficient stability with respect to lithium-metal.

Benefits: 

The present technology relates to a novel glassy electrolyte, which evolves from an antiperovskite structure and that shows the highest ionic conductivity ever reported for Li-ion (at 25 mScm-1 at 25° Celsius). This glassy electrolyte is easy to synthesize, inexpensive, light, recyclable, non-flammable and non-toxic.

Moreover, in the case of lithium, it presents a wide electrochemical window (higher than 8 V) and thermal stability within the application range of temperatures from room temperature to 250° Celsius.

Potential comercial use/applications: 

Lithium ion batteries; Sodium ion batteries; Capacitors.