WO2019096362A1 - Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system - Google Patents

Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019096362A1
WO2019096362A1 PCT/EP2017/079108 EP2017079108W WO2019096362A1 WO 2019096362 A1 WO2019096362 A1 WO 2019096362A1 EP 2017079108 W EP2017079108 W EP 2017079108W WO 2019096362 A1 WO2019096362 A1 WO 2019096362A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solid state
metal electrode
state electrolyte
test parameter
voltage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/079108
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Isaac Lund
Ann-Christin GENTSCHEV
Simon LUX
Original Assignee
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Priority to PCT/EP2017/079108 priority Critical patent/WO2019096362A1/en
Publication of WO2019096362A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019096362A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G01N27/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
    • G01N27/041—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G01N27/22—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G01N27/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
    • G01N27/20—Investigating the presence of flaws
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G01N27/22—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating capacitance
    • G01N27/24—Investigating the presence of flaws

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device and method for testing a solid state elec trolyte, in particular for a lithium ion battery, and a system for processing, in particu- lar manufacturing, solid state electrolytes.
  • the device comprises a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode, said first and second metal electrodes being config ured to contact the solid state electrolyte such that the solid state electrolyte is ar ranged between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode.
  • a voltage source is configured to generate a first voltage applied between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode
  • a determination unit is config- ured to determine at least one test parameter, said at least one test parameter relat ing to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode and/or an electrical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between.
  • An output unit is configured to output the at least one test parameter and/or information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the at least one determined test parameter.
  • the system for processing, in particular manufacturing, solid state electrolytes, in particular for lithium ion batteries, comprises the inventive device for testing a solid state electrolyte.
  • the method according to an aspect of the invention comprises the steps of: contact ing the solid state electrolyte by means of a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode such that the solid state electrolyte is arranged between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode; generating a first voltage and applying said first voltage between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode; determining at least one test parameter, said at least one test parameter relating to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode and/or an elec trical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between; and outputting the at least one test parameter and/or information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the at least one determined test parameter.
  • a preferred aspect of the invention is based on the approach to form a so-called metal insulator metal (MIM) structure for testing the solid state electrolyte, in particu lar for lithium ion batteries, by arranging a first metal electrode on a first side of the solid state electrolyte and arranging a second metal electrode on a second side of the solid state electrolyte opposite of the first side.
  • MIM metal insulator metal
  • the determination unit is configured to de termine a test parameter relating to the ion current of metal ions of the metal elec trodes. Alternatively or additionally, the determination unit determines a test parame ter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrodes and the solid state electrolyte arranged in between.
  • information characterizing the solid state electrolyte can be derived and outputted by means of the output unit.
  • the at least one test parameter itself is outputted.
  • the integrity of the solid state electrolyte can be tested, in particular by inducing dendrite growth of metal ions into the solid state electrolyte, which in turn affect the amplitude of the ion current flowing through the solid state electrolyte, e.g. by decreasing the travel distance of the metal ions from one metal electrode to the other, and/or affect the capacity of the capacitor formed by the met al electrodes and the solid state electrolyte in between, e.g. by increasing the sur face area of at least one of the metal electrodes.
  • the determined test parameter contains information relating to physical and/or chemical properties of the solid state electrolyte affecting the dendrite growth. Its determination according to the invention is quick and simple compared to, e.g., ap proaches based on a microscopic or chemical analysis.
  • the metal electrodes comprise a material which is a metal diffuser, i.e. a metal that provides metal ions suited to diffuse through the solid state electrolyte upon applying the first voltage, and/or wherein the material is chemically stable against materials used in the solid state electrolyte, in particular chemically stable against oxide, sulfide and/or garnet.
  • the metal of the metal electrodes is chosen such that its ions are of a size that allows for diffusion through the solid state electrolyte in particular at grain boundaries, defect sites and/or impurities.
  • the metal is further chosen such that diffusion through the bulk of the solid state electrolyte, i.e. at sites other than grain boundaries, defect sites and/or impurities, is prevented or at least hampered due to the size selectivity of the solid state electrolyte for ions of the size of lithium ions.
  • the invention allows for a quick and simple testing of a solid state elec trolyte, wherein in particular chemical influences of electrode materials during the testing are excluded or at least reduced.
  • the information characterizing the solid state electrolyte is information regarding defects, impurities and/or grain boundaries of the solid state electrolyte.
  • the output unit is configured to derive the information regarding defects, impurities and/or grain boundaries of the solid state electrolyte from the at least one determined test parameter.
  • defect sites in the solid state electrolyte structure which are also referred to as pinholes
  • metal ions may, in particular more easily, pass through the structure of the solid state electrolyte.
  • impurity sites which preferably refer to a site at which a foreign atom is integrated into the solid state electrolyte structure
  • metal ions may, in particular more easily, pass through the structure of the solid state elec trolyte. Same also applies accordingly to grain boundaries.
  • the output unit is configured to derive and output information relating to the size and/or number of defects, which in particular promote metal dendrite for mation, based on the at least one test parameter, in particular based on the magni- tude of the ion current and/or the capacity of the MIM structure.
  • the test pa rameter relating to the ion current and/or the capacity depends on the number and/or extent, in particular the size, of said defects, impurities and/or grain bounda ries and thus reliably reflects the structural and/or compositional integrity of the solid state electrolyte.
  • the determination unit is configured to determine the at least one test parameter more than once at differ- ent points in time, such that a time course of the at least one test parameter during applying the first voltage is obtained.
  • the output unit is configured to output the information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the obtained time course of the at least one test parameter.
  • the output unit is configured to determine the time course of the ion current and/or capacity and derive the size and/or number of defects, which in particular promote metal dendrite formation, from said time course of the ion current and/or capacity.
  • the determination unit is configured to determine the at least one test parameter relating to the ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode based on a first electri cal current detected during applying the first voltage between the first and second metal electrode.
  • the determination unit is configured to determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in be tween while the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between is charged by a second electrical current.
  • the device is preferably configured to, in particular sequentially, test the solid state electrolyte by means of applying the first voltage for a predetermined duration.
  • the determination unit is configured to, in particular sequentially, de termine the first electrical current and/or capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between depending on the applying of the first voltage, preferably after the applying of the first voltage has altered the capacity of the MIM structure due to induced dendrite growth.
  • the determination unit may record the first electrical current while the first voltage is applied between the metal electrodes for a predetermined duration. Based on the magnitude and/or time course of the first electrical current, the output unit may then determine and output information relating to the size and/or number of defects of the solid state electrolyte.
  • the determination unit may detect a response of an electrical circuit comprising the MIM structure, in particular a second voltage, preferably at the ca pacitor formed by the MIM structure or at a resistance connected in series with the capacitor formed by the MIM structure, to the, preferably alternating, second electri cal current.
  • the determination unit is configured to detect the response of an electrical circuit comprising the MIM structure after the first voltage has been applied, preferably for a predetermined duration.
  • the determination unit may determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure.
  • the determination unit may determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure based on a time course of a charge accumulating on the capacity formed by the MIM structure.
  • the determination unit may be provided to determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure based on a change in the second voltage, in particular at the capacity formed by the MIM structure.
  • the determination unit is configured to determine the duration until short- circuiting of the metal electrodes occurs. This indicates complete dendrite formation, i.e. the formation of dendrites spanning the distance between the metal electrodes, and allows for the output unit to output information relating to the size of critical de fects and/or impurities based on the determined duration until short-circuiting.
  • the first and second electrode comprises and/or are made of copper.
  • copper is a metal diffuser which is chemically stable against the materials of com mon solid state electrolytes, in particular against oxide, sulfide and/or garnet. Fur ther, copper ions are smaller than lithium ions, therefore reliably exhibiting diffusion behavior in the solid state electrolyte and thus allow for the formation of an ion cur rent flowing through the solid state electrolyte upon applying the first voltage, based on which the at least one test parameter can be determined.
  • Fig. 1 an example of a device for testing a solid state electrolyte.
  • Figure 1 shows an example of a device 1 for testing a solid state electrolyte 2, in particular for a lithium ion battery, said device 1 comprising a first metal elec- trade 3a, a second metal electrode 3b, a voltage source 4, a determination unit 5 and an output unit 6.
  • The, preferably planar, metal electrodes 3a, 3b are configured to contact the solid state electrolyte 2 from two opposing sides such that the metal electrodes 3a, 3b and the solid state electrolyte 2 form as so-called metal insulator metal (MIM) struc ture.
  • MIM metal insulator metal
  • the metal electrodes 3a, 3b are made of a material, for example copper, that is chemi cally stable against the material of the solid state electrolyte 2, which allows for test ing the solid state electrolyte 2 only with respect to its structural and/or composition al integrity, while, e.g., effects of chemical reactions with materials usually contained in the electrodes of an energy storage device are excluded.
  • the determination unit 5 for example a computer, is configured to determine at least one test parameter P which relates to an ion current of metal ions flowing be tween the two metal electrodes 3a, 3b and/or to a capacity of a capacitor formed by the two electrodes 3a, 3b and the solid state electrolyte 2 in between, and which contains information characterizing the solid state electrolyte 2, e.g. regarding its structural and/or compositional integrity.
  • the test parameter P and/or the information based on the test parameter P can be outputted by the output unit 6, for example by means of a display and/or memory to a user.
  • the at least one test parameter P relating to the ion current and/or the capacity pro vides information relating to the solid state electrolyte, because, as a result of the applied first voltage, dendrites 3c which comprise metal ions and affect the ion cur rent and/or the capacity are formed on the preferably planar surface 3a’ of the metal electrode 3a acting as the anode.
  • the number and/or size of the dendrites 3c and thus the ion current and/or capacity is a measure for the structural and/or compositional integrity of the solid state electro lyte 2, in particular for the number and/or extent, in particular the size, of the de fects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b of the solid state electrolyte 2.
  • the determination unit 5 is configured to detect a first electrical current while the first voltage V is generated by the voltage supply 4 and applied to the met al electrodes 3a, 3b, allowing to derive an ion current of metal ions flowing through the solid state electrolyte 2.
  • the detected first electri cal current contains information about the extent and density of defects 2a, impuri ties and/or grain boundaries 2b.
  • a second current suited to deposit charges on a capaci- tor formed by the MIM structure is generated, preferably by the voltage supply unit 4, in particular while the first voltage is not applied between the first and second metal electrode 3a, 3b.
  • the determination unit 5 is configured to detect a response of an electrical circuit comprising the capacitor formed by the MIM struc ture to the, in particular alternating, second current.
  • This response for instance in form of an amplitude and/or phase of a second voltage detected at a resistor con nected in series with the capacitor formed by the MIM structure, or the time course of a second voltage detected between the two metal electrodes 3a, 3b, enables de riving a capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure by means of the de termination unit 5, wherein the capacity is depending on, in particular proportional to, the number and/or size of dendrites 3c forming at sites where defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b are located.
  • the at least one test parameter P is determined by the determination unit 5 based on a combination of the derived ion current and capacity, such that a particularly precise estimation of the number and/or extent, in particular the size, of defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b is possible.
  • the described determination of at least one test parameter P and/or information based on said test parameter P enables a simple and quick determination of proper ties relating to the solid state electrolyte 2 during testing the solid state electrolyte 2 in a well-defined isolated testing environment.
  • the output unit 6 is configured to output the information char acterizing the solid state electrolyte 2 in form of a control signal. This is particularly advantageous when the device 1 is a part of a system for processing solid state electrolytes 2.
  • the system in particular the pro- cessing of solid state electrolytes 2 which have been tested by the device 1 , can be controlled.
  • solid state electrolytes 2 which have been found, based on the at least one test parameter P, to comprise a number and/or size of defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b reaching or exceeding a respective threshold may be rejected, while the remaining solid state electrolytes 2 may be assembled into electrochemical en ergy storage devices.
  • different production parameters affecting the structural or compositional in tegrity of the solid state electrolyte 2 may be tested.
  • a high throughput testing of solid state electrolytes 2 suitable for electro- chemical energy storage devices, in particular lithium ion batteries may be achieved.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method for testing a solid state elec- trolyte, in particular for a lithium ion battery, and a system comprising such device. A first and second metal electrode are configured to contact the solid state electrolyte such that the solid state electrolyte is arranged between the first and second metal electrode. Further, a voltage source is configured to generate a first voltage applied between the first and second metal electrode, and a determination unit is configured to determine at least one test parameter, said at least one test parameter relating to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode and/or an elec- trical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between. An output unit is configured to output the at least one test parameter and/or information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the at least one determined test parameter.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TESTING A SOLID STATE ELEKTROLYTE AND
SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a device and method for testing a solid state elec trolyte, in particular for a lithium ion battery, and a system for processing, in particu- lar manufacturing, solid state electrolytes.
In order to enhance the properties, e.g. the energy density, of electrochemical ener gy storage devices, new electrolytes are developed. Promising candidates are so- called solid state electrolytes, which also improve the safety of said devices. In order to ensure a reliable operation of the storage device, the solid state electrolyte in stalled in the energy storage device is tested.
It is an object of the invention to improve the testing of a solid state electrolyte.
This object is achieved by the device, system and method according to the inde pendent claims.
The device according to an aspect of the invention comprises a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode, said first and second metal electrodes being config ured to contact the solid state electrolyte such that the solid state electrolyte is ar ranged between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode. Further, a voltage source is configured to generate a first voltage applied between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode, and a determination unit is config- ured to determine at least one test parameter, said at least one test parameter relat ing to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode and/or an electrical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between. An output unit is configured to output the at least one test parameter and/or information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the at least one determined test parameter.
The system for processing, in particular manufacturing, solid state electrolytes, in particular for lithium ion batteries, according to an aspect of the invention comprises the inventive device for testing a solid state electrolyte. The method according to an aspect of the invention comprises the steps of: contact ing the solid state electrolyte by means of a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode such that the solid state electrolyte is arranged between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode; generating a first voltage and applying said first voltage between the first metal electrode and the second metal electrode; determining at least one test parameter, said at least one test parameter relating to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode and/or an elec trical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between; and outputting the at least one test parameter and/or information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the at least one determined test parameter.
A preferred aspect of the invention is based on the approach to form a so-called metal insulator metal (MIM) structure for testing the solid state electrolyte, in particu lar for lithium ion batteries, by arranging a first metal electrode on a first side of the solid state electrolyte and arranging a second metal electrode on a second side of the solid state electrolyte opposite of the first side. By that means, the solid state electrolyte is sandwiched between the first and second metal electrode and a well- defined testing environment for testing the solid state electrolyte, in particular ex cluding possible chemical effects caused by other electrode materials like lithium or lithium compounds, is provided.
By generating the first voltage by means of the voltage supply and applying said first voltage between the first and second metal electrode, metal ions provided by the first or second metal electrode are stimulated to move, e.g. by drifting or directed diffusion, through the solid state electrolyte from one metal electrode to the other, wherein the behavior of said metal ions in the solid state electrolyte depends on properties of the solid state electrolyte. The determination unit is configured to de termine a test parameter relating to the ion current of metal ions of the metal elec trodes. Alternatively or additionally, the determination unit determines a test parame ter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrodes and the solid state electrolyte arranged in between. Based on said test parameter, information characterizing the solid state electrolyte can be derived and outputted by means of the output unit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one test parameter itself is outputted. By applying the first voltage the integrity of the solid state electrolyte can be tested, in particular by inducing dendrite growth of metal ions into the solid state electrolyte, which in turn affect the amplitude of the ion current flowing through the solid state electrolyte, e.g. by decreasing the travel distance of the metal ions from one metal electrode to the other, and/or affect the capacity of the capacitor formed by the met al electrodes and the solid state electrolyte in between, e.g. by increasing the sur face area of at least one of the metal electrodes.
Thus, the determined test parameter contains information relating to physical and/or chemical properties of the solid state electrolyte affecting the dendrite growth. Its determination according to the invention is quick and simple compared to, e.g., ap proaches based on a microscopic or chemical analysis.
Preferably, the metal electrodes comprise a material which is a metal diffuser, i.e. a metal that provides metal ions suited to diffuse through the solid state electrolyte upon applying the first voltage, and/or wherein the material is chemically stable against materials used in the solid state electrolyte, in particular chemically stable against oxide, sulfide and/or garnet. Alternatively or additionally, the metal of the metal electrodes is chosen such that its ions are of a size that allows for diffusion through the solid state electrolyte in particular at grain boundaries, defect sites and/or impurities. Preferably, the metal is further chosen such that diffusion through the bulk of the solid state electrolyte, i.e. at sites other than grain boundaries, defect sites and/or impurities, is prevented or at least hampered due to the size selectivity of the solid state electrolyte for ions of the size of lithium ions.
In summary, the invention allows for a quick and simple testing of a solid state elec trolyte, wherein in particular chemical influences of electrode materials during the testing are excluded or at least reduced.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information characterizing the solid state electrolyte is information regarding defects, impurities and/or grain boundaries of the solid state electrolyte. Additionally, the output unit is configured to derive the information regarding defects, impurities and/or grain boundaries of the solid state electrolyte from the at least one determined test parameter. At defect sites in the solid state electrolyte structure, which are also referred to as pinholes, metal ions may, in particular more easily, pass through the structure of the solid state electrolyte. Likewise, at impurity sites, which preferably refer to a site at which a foreign atom is integrated into the solid state electrolyte structure, metal ions may, in particular more easily, pass through the structure of the solid state elec trolyte. Same also applies accordingly to grain boundaries.
Preferably, the output unit is configured to derive and output information relating to the size and/or number of defects, which in particular promote metal dendrite for mation, based on the at least one test parameter, in particular based on the magni- tude of the ion current and/or the capacity of the MIM structure.
As dendrite growth predominantly occurs at defects, impurities and/or grain bounda ries and affects the conductance of the solid state electrolyte with respect to the metal ions and/or increases the surface area of the metal electrodes, the test pa rameter relating to the ion current and/or the capacity depends on the number and/or extent, in particular the size, of said defects, impurities and/or grain bounda ries and thus reliably reflects the structural and/or compositional integrity of the solid state electrolyte.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the determination unit is configured to determine the at least one test parameter more than once at differ- ent points in time, such that a time course of the at least one test parameter during applying the first voltage is obtained. Further, the output unit is configured to output the information characterizing the solid state electrolyte based on the obtained time course of the at least one test parameter. In particular, the output unit is configured to determine the time course of the ion current and/or capacity and derive the size and/or number of defects, which in particular promote metal dendrite formation, from said time course of the ion current and/or capacity. Due to the size selectivity of the solid state electrolyte structure regarding ion diffusion, which usually limits ion cur rent and/or capacity, an increasing current and/or capacity reliably signals dendrite growth and allows for a precise determination of the structural and/or compositional integrity of the solid state electrolyte. According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the determination unit is configured to determine the at least one test parameter relating to the ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode based on a first electri cal current detected during applying the first voltage between the first and second metal electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the determination unit is configured to determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in be tween while the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between is charged by a second electrical current. The device is preferably configured to, in particular sequentially, test the solid state electrolyte by means of applying the first voltage for a predetermined duration. Ad vantageously, the determination unit is configured to, in particular sequentially, de termine the first electrical current and/or capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode and the solid state electrolyte in between depending on the applying of the first voltage, preferably after the applying of the first voltage has altered the capacity of the MIM structure due to induced dendrite growth.
For example, the determination unit may record the first electrical current while the first voltage is applied between the metal electrodes for a predetermined duration. Based on the magnitude and/or time course of the first electrical current, the output unit may then determine and output information relating to the size and/or number of defects of the solid state electrolyte.
Preferably, the determination unit may detect a response of an electrical circuit comprising the MIM structure, in particular a second voltage, preferably at the ca pacitor formed by the MIM structure or at a resistance connected in series with the capacitor formed by the MIM structure, to the, preferably alternating, second electri cal current. For example, the determination unit is configured to detect the response of an electrical circuit comprising the MIM structure after the first voltage has been applied, preferably for a predetermined duration.
For instance, based on the amplitude and/or phase of said recorded second voltage, the determination unit may determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure. Alternatively or additionally, the determination unit may determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure based on a time course of a charge accumulating on the capacity formed by the MIM structure. In yet another example, the determination unit may be provided to determine the at least one test parameter relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure based on a change in the second voltage, in particular at the capacity formed by the MIM structure.
Preferably, the determination unit is configured to determine the duration until short- circuiting of the metal electrodes occurs. This indicates complete dendrite formation, i.e. the formation of dendrites spanning the distance between the metal electrodes, and allows for the output unit to output information relating to the size of critical de fects and/or impurities based on the determined duration until short-circuiting.
By this means, information characterizing the solid electrolyte can be obtained in a particularly reliable and detailed manner. In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second electrode comprises and/or are made of copper. This is particularly advantageous because copper is a metal diffuser which is chemically stable against the materials of com mon solid state electrolytes, in particular against oxide, sulfide and/or garnet. Fur ther, copper ions are smaller than lithium ions, therefore reliably exhibiting diffusion behavior in the solid state electrolyte and thus allow for the formation of an ion cur rent flowing through the solid state electrolyte upon applying the first voltage, based on which the at least one test parameter can be determined.
The above and other elements, features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed descrip- tion of a preferred embodiment with reference to the attached figure showing:
Fig. 1 an example of a device for testing a solid state electrolyte.
Figure 1 shows an example of a device 1 for testing a solid state electrolyte 2, in particular for a lithium ion battery, said device 1 comprising a first metal elec- trade 3a, a second metal electrode 3b, a voltage source 4, a determination unit 5 and an output unit 6.
The, preferably planar, metal electrodes 3a, 3b are configured to contact the solid state electrolyte 2 from two opposing sides such that the metal electrodes 3a, 3b and the solid state electrolyte 2 form as so-called metal insulator metal (MIM) struc ture. By generating a first voltage V by means of the voltage supply 4 and applying said first voltage V between the metal electrodes 3a, 3b, metal ions are provided by metal electrode 3a acting as the anode, and travel through the solid state electro lyte 2 towards the other metal electrode 3b acting as the cathode. Preferably, the metal electrodes 3a, 3b are made of a material, for example copper, that is chemi cally stable against the material of the solid state electrolyte 2, which allows for test ing the solid state electrolyte 2 only with respect to its structural and/or composition al integrity, while, e.g., effects of chemical reactions with materials usually contained in the electrodes of an energy storage device are excluded. The determination unit 5, for example a computer, is configured to determine at least one test parameter P which relates to an ion current of metal ions flowing be tween the two metal electrodes 3a, 3b and/or to a capacity of a capacitor formed by the two electrodes 3a, 3b and the solid state electrolyte 2 in between, and which contains information characterizing the solid state electrolyte 2, e.g. regarding its structural and/or compositional integrity. The test parameter P and/or the information based on the test parameter P can be outputted by the output unit 6, for example by means of a display and/or memory to a user.
The at least one test parameter P relating to the ion current and/or the capacity pro vides information relating to the solid state electrolyte, because, as a result of the applied first voltage, dendrites 3c which comprise metal ions and affect the ion cur rent and/or the capacity are formed on the preferably planar surface 3a’ of the metal electrode 3a acting as the anode. Because the dendrites 3c predominantly form at defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b of the solid state electrolyte 2, the number and/or size of the dendrites 3c and thus the ion current and/or capacity is a measure for the structural and/or compositional integrity of the solid state electro lyte 2, in particular for the number and/or extent, in particular the size, of the de fects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b of the solid state electrolyte 2. For example, the determination unit 5 is configured to detect a first electrical current while the first voltage V is generated by the voltage supply 4 and applied to the met al electrodes 3a, 3b, allowing to derive an ion current of metal ions flowing through the solid state electrolyte 2. Since the ion current is depending on, in particular pro- portional to, the number and/or size of dendrites 3c forming at sites where de fects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b are located, the detected first electri cal current contains information about the extent and density of defects 2a, impuri ties and/or grain boundaries 2b.
Alternatively or additionally, a second current suited to deposit charges on a capaci- tor formed by the MIM structure is generated, preferably by the voltage supply unit 4, in particular while the first voltage is not applied between the first and second metal electrode 3a, 3b. In particular, the determination unit 5 is configured to detect a response of an electrical circuit comprising the capacitor formed by the MIM struc ture to the, in particular alternating, second current. This response, for instance in form of an amplitude and/or phase of a second voltage detected at a resistor con nected in series with the capacitor formed by the MIM structure, or the time course of a second voltage detected between the two metal electrodes 3a, 3b, enables de riving a capacity of the capacitor formed by the MIM structure by means of the de termination unit 5, wherein the capacity is depending on, in particular proportional to, the number and/or size of dendrites 3c forming at sites where defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b are located.
Preferably, the at least one test parameter P is determined by the determination unit 5 based on a combination of the derived ion current and capacity, such that a particularly precise estimation of the number and/or extent, in particular the size, of defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b is possible.
The described determination of at least one test parameter P and/or information based on said test parameter P enables a simple and quick determination of proper ties relating to the solid state electrolyte 2 during testing the solid state electrolyte 2 in a well-defined isolated testing environment. In particular, by applying the first volt- age, the degradation of the solid state electrolyte 2 caused by dendrite 3c growth occurring during the operation of an energy storage device comprising the solid state electrolyte 2 can be tested in a well-defined testing environment. In some embodiments, the output unit 6 is configured to output the information char acterizing the solid state electrolyte 2 in form of a control signal. This is particularly advantageous when the device 1 is a part of a system for processing solid state electrolytes 2. By means of the control signal, the system, in particular the pro- cessing of solid state electrolytes 2 which have been tested by the device 1 , can be controlled. For example, in the production of electrochemical energy storage devic es, solid state electrolytes 2 which have been found, based on the at least one test parameter P, to comprise a number and/or size of defects 2a, impurities and/or grain boundaries 2b reaching or exceeding a respective threshold may be rejected, while the remaining solid state electrolytes 2 may be assembled into electrochemical en ergy storage devices. Alternatively, in the development of new solid state electro lytes 2, different production parameters affecting the structural or compositional in tegrity of the solid state electrolyte 2 may be tested. By means of the inventive de vice 1 , a high throughput testing of solid state electrolytes 2 suitable for electro- chemical energy storage devices, in particular lithium ion batteries, may be achieved.
List of numerals
1 device for testing a solid state electrolyte
2 solid state electrolyte
2a defect
2b grain boundary
3a, 3b first and second metal electrode 3c dendrite
3a’ surface
4 voltage supply
5 determination unit
6 output unit
V first voltage
P test parameter

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
A device (1 ) for testing a solid state electrolyte (2), in particular for a lithium ion battery, comprising
-a first metal electrode (3a) and a second metal electrode (3b), said first and second metal electrodes (3a, 3b) being configured to contact the solid state electrolyte (2) such that the solid state electrolyte (2) is arranged between the first metal electrode (3a) and the second metal electrode (3b),
-a voltage source (4) configured to generate a first voltage (V) applied be tween the first metal electrode (3a) and the second metal electrode (3b),
-a determination unit (5) configured to determine at least one test parame ter (P), said at least one test parameter (P) relating to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and/or an electrical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and the solid state electrolyte (2) in between, and
-an output unit (6) configured to output the at least one test parameter (P) and/or information characterizing the solid state electrolyte (2) based on the at least one determined test parameter (P).
The device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the information characterizing the solid state electrolyte (2) is information regarding defects (2a), impurities and/or grain boundaries (2b) of the solid state electrolyte (2), and wherein the output unit (6) is configured to derive the information regarding de fects (2a), impurities and/or grain boundaries (2b) of the solid state electro lyte (2) from the at least one determined test parameter (P).
The device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit (5) is configured to determine the at least one test parameter (P) more than once at different points in time, such that a time course of the at least one test pa rameter (P) during applying the first voltage (V) is obtained, and wherein the output (6) unit is configured to output the information characterizing the solid state electrolyte (2) based on the obtained time course of the at least one test parameter (P). The device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the deter mination unit (5) is configured to
-determine the at least one test parameter (P) relating to the ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) based on a first electrical current detected during applying the first voltage (V) between the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and/or
-determine the at least one test parameter (P) relating to the capacity of the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and the solid state electrolyte (2) in between while the capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and the solid state electrolyte (2) in between is charged by a second electrical current.
The device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second electrode (3a, 3b) comprises copper.
A system for processing, in particular manufacturing, solid state electro lytes (2), in particular lithium for ion batteries, comprising a device (1 ) for testing a solid state electrolyte (2) according to any of the preceding claims.
A method for testing a solid state electrolyte (2), in particular for a lithium ion battery, comprising the steps of
-contacting the solid state electrolyte (2) by means of a first metal elec trode (3a) and a second metal electrode (3b) such that the solid state elec trolyte (2) is arranged between the first metal electrode (3a) and the second metal electrode (3b),
-generating a first voltage (V) and applying said first voltage (V) between the first metal electrode (3a) and the second metal electrode (3b),
-determining at least one test parameter (P), said at least one test parame ter (P) relating to an ion current flowing between the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and/or an electrical capacity of a capacitor formed by the first and second metal electrode (3a, 3b) and the solid state electrolyte (2) in between, and
-outputting the at least one test parameter (P) and/or information character izing the solid state electrolyte (2) based on the at least one determined test parameter (P).
PCT/EP2017/079108 2017-11-14 2017-11-14 Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system WO2019096362A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2017/079108 WO2019096362A1 (en) 2017-11-14 2017-11-14 Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2017/079108 WO2019096362A1 (en) 2017-11-14 2017-11-14 Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019096362A1 true WO2019096362A1 (en) 2019-05-23

Family

ID=60574535

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2017/079108 WO2019096362A1 (en) 2017-11-14 2017-11-14 Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2019096362A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4763064A (en) * 1986-04-18 1988-08-09 Her Majesty The Queen In Right Of Canada, As Represented By The Minister Of National Defence Of Her Majesty's Canadian Government Device for measuring the electronic characteristics of solid materials
JP2011153933A (en) * 2010-01-27 2011-08-11 Toyota Motor Corp Instrument for measuring proton conductivity
US20130057295A1 (en) * 2011-08-31 2013-03-07 Instituto Mexicano Del Petroleo Modular device to measure ionic, electronic and mixed conductivity in polymeric and ceramic membranes
CN203011879U (en) * 2012-12-12 2013-06-19 上海电气钠硫储能技术有限公司 Measuring device for measuring ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4763064A (en) * 1986-04-18 1988-08-09 Her Majesty The Queen In Right Of Canada, As Represented By The Minister Of National Defence Of Her Majesty's Canadian Government Device for measuring the electronic characteristics of solid materials
JP2011153933A (en) * 2010-01-27 2011-08-11 Toyota Motor Corp Instrument for measuring proton conductivity
US20130057295A1 (en) * 2011-08-31 2013-03-07 Instituto Mexicano Del Petroleo Modular device to measure ionic, electronic and mixed conductivity in polymeric and ceramic membranes
CN203011879U (en) * 2012-12-12 2013-06-19 上海电气钠硫储能技术有限公司 Measuring device for measuring ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Feng et al. Detecting the internal short circuit in large-format lithium-ion battery using model-based fault-diagnosis algorithm
US6556019B2 (en) Electronic battery tester
KR101685461B1 (en) Apparatus and Method for Evaluating Sheet-like Battery
KR20220043070A (en) Battery monitoring and testing system and methods therefor
US20220091062A1 (en) System and method for anomaly detection and total capacity estimation of a battery
EP2764378A2 (en) Apparatus and method for accurate energy device state-of-health (soh) monitoring
CN106997026B (en) Method and device for determining the residual capacity of a lead-acid battery
CN102590623A (en) Secondary battery tester, secondary battery testing method, and manufacturing method of secondary battery
CN106405424B (en) Method and device for metering residual electric quantity of lithium ion battery
Kim et al. Aging monitoring method for lithium-ion batteries using harmonic analysis
JP2014002009A (en) Method of inspecting secondary battery
JP4887581B2 (en) Battery inspection method and inspection apparatus
KR20130128030A (en) Jig for measurement of voltage in 3-electrode system
CN116930786A (en) Battery dynamic abnormality detection method and device, storage medium and electronic equipment
WO2020110328A1 (en) Quality management method for electricity storage device
WO2019096362A1 (en) Device and method for testing a solid state elektrolyte and system
KR102043645B1 (en) Method and System for Calculating Low Voltage Expression Level of a Secondary Battery
JP2017003325A (en) Secondary battery inspection method
KR20210132067A (en) Two-part reference electrode
JP2010135186A (en) Battery inspection method
Pettinger Production test procedures
KR20130052065A (en) Precise detector of charge voltage for charge-discharge device
CN116487676A (en) Single-chip battery and screening method of battery materials
Münchgesang et al. 5.8 Electrochemical analytical methods
Beketaeva et al. Operational Impedance of an Li–CF x Cell

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17808800

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 17808800

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1