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Transformation toughening in garnet LLZO solid electrolytes

Technology

In development

University

A processing approach that makes lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) solid electrolyte separators crack-resistant, demonstrating a 250% increase in toughness over conventional garnet electrolytes.

Background

Solid-state batteries represent the next generation of energy storage with superior energy density and safety. Garnet-structured oxides like LLZO serve as industry-standard solid electrolyte separators due to their stability with lithium metal. However, three mechanical limitations restrict commercial adoption: brittleness making thin separator layers difficult to handle during manufacturing, low fracture toughness causing susceptibility to microcracking under operational stress, and microcrack pathways that enable dendrite propagation and lithium penetration leading to short-circuiting.

Solution

By controlling material changes, this invention strengthens solid-state separators. When a crack forms, the improved LLZO shifts its structure to absorb energy and close the crack. Three main benefits result: enhanced durability making the ceramic tougher and more resistant to breakage during handling, blocked dendrite growth by preventing cracks from forming lithium penetration pathways, and improved battery safety through enhanced reliability and operational lifespan.

Performance

Tests demonstrated a 250% increase in toughness compared to conventional garnet electrolytes. SEM images show the improved LLZO displays significantly shorter cracks compared to conventional LLZO, indicating crack arrest and enhanced toughness.

Applications

Advanced battery technologies, solid-state separators for lithium-based systems, and aerospace and extreme environment applications.

Collaboration Opportunities

Patent and know-how available for licensing, research collaboration for further development and testing, and access to specialized equipment and expertise for material characterization.

About Montana State University

Montana State University's substantial research enterprise growth has been accompanied by focused investments in innovation and research translation, creating new opportunities for companies to engage with MSU research and expertise. A particular strength is MSU’s network of specialized centers, institutes, and industry-accessible core facilities, which bring together multidisciplinary expertise, advanced research infrastructure, testing capabilities, and established pathways for working with industry partners. MSU is one of a select group of universities participating in the NSF's Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program, which is building the capacity and infrastructure needed to translate more research discoveries into solutions with real-world impact. The growing MSU Innovation Campus and expanding incubator infrastructure provide additional opportunities for university-industry interaction, startup development, and technology-focused companies. These efforts are complemented by MSU’s Technology Transfer Office, which works with researchers and companies to protect and license MSU inventions and facilitate industry-sponsored research collaborations.