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Prof. Thomas F. Fässler in his laboratory at the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry with a Focus on Novel Materials Credit: Wenzel Schuermann / TUM
TUM researchers develop new material for solid-state batteries
The team led by Prof. Thomas F. Fässler from the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry with a Focus on Novel Materials partially replaced lithium in a lithium antimonide compound with the metal scandium. This creates specific gaps, so-called vacancies, in the crystal lattice of the conductor material. These gaps help the lithium ions to move more easily and faster, resulting in a new world record for ion conductivity.
Since the measured conductivity far exceeded that of existing materials, the team collaborated with the Chair of Technical Electrochemistry under Prof. Hubert Gasteiger at TUM to confirm the result. Co-author Tobias Kutsch who conducted the validation tests, commented: “Because the material also conducts electricity, it presented a special challenge, and we had to adapt our measurement methods accordingly.”
Fässler sees great potential for the new material: “Our result currently represents a significant advance in basic research. By incorporating small amounts of scandium, we have uncovered a new principle that could prove to be a blueprint for other elemental combinations. While many tests are still needed before the material can be used in battery cells, we are optimistic. Materials that conduct both ions and electrons are particularly well suited as additives in electrodes. Because of the promising practical applications, we’ve already filed a patent for our development.” In addition to its faster conductivity, the material also offers thermal stability and can be produced using well-established chemical methods.
The researchers have even discovered an entirely new class of substances through their work, as first author Jingwen Jiang, scientist at TUMint.Energy Research, emphasizes: “Our combination consists of lithium-antimony, but the same concept can easily be applied to lithium-phosphorus systems. While the previous record holder relied on lithium-sulphur and required five additional elements for optimization, we only need only Scandium as an additional component. We believe that our discovery could have broader implications for enhancing conductivity in a wide range of other materials.”
Original Publication
Authors: Jingwen Jiang, Tobias Kutsch, Wilhelm Klein, Manuel Botta, Anatoliy Senyshyn, Robert J. Spranger, Volodymyr Baran, Leo van Wüllen, Hubert A. Gasteiger and Thomas F. Fässler.
Journal: Advanced Energy Materials
DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202500683
Method of Research: Experimental study
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Scandium Induced Structural Disorder and Vacancy Engineering in Li3Sb – Superior Ionic Conductivity in Li3−3xScxSbv
Article Publication Date: 28-Apr-2025
Original Source: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.202500683
Media Contact
Ulrich Meyer
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
ulrich.meyer@tum.de
Expert Contact
Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Fässler
Technical University of Munich
thomas.faessler@lrz.tum.de
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new world record for lithium-ion conductivity?
The new world record for lithium-ion conductivity was set by researchers at TUM, who developed a material that significantly enhances ion movement. This breakthrough was achieved by partially replacing lithium with scandium in a lithium antimonide compound, resulting in improved conductivity.
How does the new lithium-antimony material improve battery performance?
The new lithium-antimony material improves battery performance by creating vacancies in the crystal lattice, which allows lithium ions to move more easily and at a faster rate. This advancement is crucial for the development of solid-state batteries with superior conductivity.
What potential applications does the new material have for batteries?
The new material, which conducts both ions and electrons, is particularly promising as an additive in battery electrodes. Its thermal stability and ease of production using established chemical methods make it a strong candidate for future battery technologies.
Who conducted the research on the new lithium-ion conductor?
The research on the new lithium-ion conductor was conducted by a team led by Prof. Thomas F. Fässler at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), in collaboration with the Chair of Technical Electrochemistry, under Prof. Hubert Gasteiger.
What is the significance of the scandium addition to the lithium-antimony compound?
The addition of scandium to the lithium-antimony compound is significant because it creates structural vacancies that enhance ionic conductivity. This innovative approach could serve as a blueprint for creating other conductive materials, expanding the potential for improved battery technologies.
Source: EurekAlert!
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