Laser-ablated porous LLZO electrolytes boost ionic transport and interfacial contact, unlocking the potential of high-performance all-solid-state batteries.
Image: Conceptual illustration, AI-generated (OpenAI)
Laser ablation is used to transform dense LLZO pellets into a porous LLZO scaffold (Li6.45Al0.05La3Zr1.6Ta0.4O12). The resulting microstructure increases the internal surface area and can improve electrode–electrolyte contact as well as Li⁺ transport pathways in all-solid-state battery architectures. For full-cell fabrication and evaluation, we investigate two routes: (i) infiltration of a cathode precursor followed by in-situ cathode formation, and (ii) infiltration of a pre-synthesized cathode material into the porous LLZO framework.
Current Research Activities:
- Compare cathode infiltration routes: precursor infiltration + in-situ synthesis vs. direct infiltration of pre-synthesized cathode material into the laser-ablated LLZO scaffold.
- Improve the electrode–electrolyte interface by forming polymer-electrolyte interlayers via in-situ polymerization, aiming to enhance interfacial ionic transport.
Partners:
This project is a joint collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich (IMD-2, Dr. Martin Finsterbusch’s Group), which provides tape-cast LLZO pellets, and Just Transition Center (B6, Dr. Muhammad Zubair)/Institute of Physics (Dr. Paul-Tiberiu Miclea`s Group, providing Laser resources), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
Within JTC, Team B6 (Dr. Muhammad Zubair) is responsible for laser-ablated structuring, cathode material infiltration, structural and electrochemical characterization, while Team B7 (Dr. Zviadi Katcharava) provides solid polymer electrolytes for in-situ polymerization and contributes to the enhancement better interfaces and ionic conduction.
