Regarding the second solid electrolyte, for example, Li₃YX2₆, Li₂MgX2₄, Li₂FeX2₄, Li(Al,Ga,In)X2₄, Li₃(Al,Ga,In)X2₆, and the like may be used. Herein, X2 represents at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I.

In the present disclosure, the expression “(A,B,C)” in the formula means “at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C”. For example, “(Al,Ga,In)” is synonymous with “at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, and In”.

A typical composition of Li₃YX2₆is, for example, Li₃YBr₂Cl₄. The second solid electrolyte may contain Li₃YBr₂Cl₄. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the second solid electrolyte is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

The positive electrode active material 10 may be separated from the first solid electrolyte 13 due to the coating layer 11. The positive electrode active material 10 is not necessarily in direct contact with the first solid electrolyte 13 since the coating layer 11 has ionic conductivity.

The coating layer 11 may uniformly cover the positive electrode active material 10. According to the above-described configuration, the contact area between the positive electrode active material 10 and the first solid electrolyte 13 is increased. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

The coating layer 11 may cover only a portion of the surface of the positive electrode active material 10. Particles of the positive electrode active material 10 being in direct contact with each other through a portion not coated with the coating layer 11 improves the electron conductivity between the particles of the positive electrode active material 10. As a result, the battery can function with a high output.

The coating layer 11 may cover greater than or equal to 30% of the surface of the positive electrode active material 10, may cover greater than or equal to 60%, or may cover greater than or equal to 90%. The coating layer 11 may cover substantially the entire surface of the positive electrode active material 10.

The coating layer 11 covering the positive electrode active material 10 suppresses an oxide film being formed due to oxidative decomposition of other solid electrolytes during charge of the battery. As a result, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

In the present embodiment, the coating layer 11 is a single layer. According to the above-described configuration, the production cost of the coated active material layer 12 can be suppressed from being increased, and, in addition, predetermined effects are readily obtained.

The coating layer 11 may be composed of a plurality of layers. In such an instance, at least one of the plurality of layers may contain the second solid electrolyte. Each of the plurality of layers may contain the second solid electrolyte.

The thickness of the coating layer 11 may be, for example, greater than or equal to 1 nm and less than or equal to 500 nm.

The thickness of the coating layer 11 being greater than or equal to 1 nm enables the contact area between the positive electrode active material 10 and the first solid electrolyte 13 to be sufficiently ensured. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

In addition, the thickness of the coating layer 11 being less than or equal to 500 nm enables the interfacial resistance of the battery due to the thickness of the coating layer 11 to be sufficiently decreased.

There is no particular limitation regarding the method for measuring the thickness of the coating layer 11. For example, the thickness of the coating layer 11 can be determined through direct observation by using a transmission electron microscope or the like. Alternatively, XPS measurement is performed while the coating layer 11 is being removed by Ar sputtering, and the thickness of the coating layer 11 can be determined from a change in the spectrum derived from the active material.

Positive Electrode Active Material

The positive electrode active material 10 contains a material having characteristics of occluding and releasing metal ions. The metal ion is, for example, a lithium ion. Regarding the positive electrode active material 10, for example, lithium-containing transition metal oxides, transition metal fluorides, polyanionic materials, fluorinated polyanionic materials, transition metal sulfides, transition metal oxysulfides, and transition metal oxynitrides may be used. In particular, a lithium-containing transition metal oxide being used as the positive electrode active material 10 enables the production cost to be decreased and enables the average discharge voltage to be increased. Examples of the lithium-containing transition metal oxide include Li(Ni,Co,Al)O₂, Li(Ni,Co,Mn)O₂, and LiCoO₂.

The positive electrode active material 10 may contain Ni, Co, and Mn. The positive electrode active material 10 may contain lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (that is, NCM). The positive electrode active material 10 may be NCM. For example, the positive electrode active material 10 may be Li(Ni,Co,Mn)O₂. Alternatively, the positive electrode active material 10 may contain Ni, Co, and Al. The positive electrode active material 10 may contain lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (that is, NCA). The positive electrode active material 10 may be NCA. For example, the positive electrode active material 10 may be Li(Ni,Co,Al)O₂. According to the above-described configuration, the energy density of the battery can be further increased.

There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the positive electrode active material 10. The shape of the positive electrode active material 10 may be, for example, needlelike, spherical, ellipsoidal, or the like. For example, the shape of the positive electrode active material 10 may be granular.

First Solid Electrolyte

The first solid electrolyte 13 contains a material having high ionic conductivity. According to the first solid electrolyte 13, high ionic conductivity can be realized in a positive electrode material 100.

In the present embodiment, the first solid electrolyte 13 is a halide solid electrolyte represented by the following Formula (1):

Li_α1M1_β1X1_γ1 Formula (1)

where α1, β1, and γ1 each independently represent a positive real number. M1 includes calcium, yttrium, and at least one rare earth element other than yttrium. X1 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I.

The halide solid electrolyte represented by Formula (1) has high ionic conductivity compared with a halide solid electrolyte such as LiI composed of Li and a halogen element. Consequently, the output characteristics of the battery may be improved.

In Formula (1), examples of the at least one rare earth element other than yttrium represented by M1 include Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Since chemical properties of rare earth elements are similar to each other, each of the above-described elements can be used as a constituent element of the halide solid electrolyte according to the present embodiment.

In Formula (1), M1 may represent only the rare earth element other than yttrium.

The first solid electrolyte 13 may be represented by the following Formula (2):

Li_6−2a−3dCa_a(Y_1-bGd_b)_dBr_6−cCl_c Formula (2)

wherein Formula (2) satisfies 0<a<0.75, 0<b<1, 0<c<6, and 0<d<1.5. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the first solid electrolyte 13 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

Formula (2) may satisfy 0.01≤a≤0.3. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the first solid electrolyte 13 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

Formula (2) may satisfy a≤0.2. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the first solid electrolyte 13 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

Formula (2) may satisfy 0.1≤b≤0.9. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the first solid electrolyte 13 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

Formula (2) may satisfy 0.8≤b<1. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the first solid electrolyte 13 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

Formula (2) may satisfy 1.0≤c≤1.2. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the first solid electrolyte 13 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery may be further decreased.

The halide solid electrolyte usable as the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte may contain an oxygen atom as an anion other than a halogen element.

The halide solid electrolyte usable as the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte is not necessarily containing sulfur. According to the above-described configuration, hydrogen sulfide gas is suppressed from being generated. Consequently, improved safety of a battery can be realized.

Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13 is higher than Young's modulus of the second solid electrolyte. For example, Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be higher than 40 GPa.

There is no particular limitation regarding the upper limit of Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13. The upper limit of Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13 is, for example, 80 GPa.

When Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13 is defined as Y1, and Young's modulus of the second solid electrolyte is defined as Y2, 1≤Y1/Y2≤9 may be satisfied, or 2≤Y1/Y2≤4 may be satisfied. When Y1/Y2 satisfies the above-described numerical range, the contact area between the positive electrode active material 10 and the first solid electrolyte 13 is increased.

Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13 can be determined by the method akin to that described with respect to Young's modulus of the second solid electrolyte. It is conjectured that there is no difference in Young's modulus of the first solid electrolyte 13 between when the measurement is performed in the state of a powder and when the measurement is performed in the state of a positive electrode containing the positive electrode material 100.

There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the first solid electrolyte 13. The shape of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be, for example, needlelike, spherical, ellipsoidal, or the like. For example, the shape of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be granular.

For example, when the shape of the first solid electrolyte 13 is granular (for example, spherical), the median diameter of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be less than or equal to 100 μm. The median diameter of the first solid electrolyte 13 being less than or equal to 100 μm enables the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 to form a favorable dispersion state in the positive electrode material 100. Consequently, the charge-discharge characteristics of the battery are improved.

The median diameter of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be less than or equal to 10 μm. According to the above-described configuration, the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 can form a favorable dispersion state in the positive electrode material 100.

The median diameter of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be less than the median diameter of the coated active material 12. According to the above-described configuration, the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 can form a more favorable dispersion state in the positive electrode material 100.

The median diameter of the coated active material 12 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 μm and less than or equal to 100 μm. The median diameter of the coated active material 12 being greater than or equal to 0.1 μm enables the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 to form a favorable dispersion state in the positive electrode material 100. Consequently, the charge-discharge characteristics of the battery are improved. The median diameter of the coated active material 12 being less than or equal to 100 μm sufficiently ensures the diffusion rate of lithium in the coated active material 12. Consequently, the battery can function with a high output.

The median diameter of the coated active material 12 may be greater than the median diameter of the first solid electrolyte 13. Consequently, the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 can form a favorable dispersion state.

In the present disclosure, the median diameter means a particle diameter (d50) when a cumulative volume is equal to 50% in the particle size distribution on a volume basis. The particle size distribution on a volume basis may be measured using, for example, a laser diffraction type measuring apparatus or an image analyzer.

At least a portion of the surface of the positive electrode active material 10 may be coated with a coating material different from the coating material constituting the coating layer 11. Examples of such a coating material include oxide solid electrolytes. Examples of the oxide solid electrolyte include Li—Nb—O compounds such as LiNbO₃, Li—B—O compounds such as LiBO₂and Li₃BO₃, Li—Al—O compounds such as LiAlO₂, Li—Si—O compounds such as Li₄SiO₄, Li₂SO₄, Li—Ti—O compounds such as Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, Li—Zr—O compounds, such as Li₂ZrO₃, Li—Mo—O compounds such as Li₂MoO₃, Li-V-O compounds such as LiV₂O₅, Li—W—O compounds such as Li₂WO₄, and Li—P—O compounds such as Li₃PO₄. According to the above-described configuration, the first solid electrolyte 13 is suppressed from being oxidized in the positive electrode material 100.

In the positive electrode material 100, the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 may be in contact with each other. In such an instance, the coating layer 11 and the positive electrode active material 10 are in contact with each other.

The positive electrode material 100 may include a plurality of particles of the coated active material 12 and a plurality of particles of the first solid electrolyte 13.

In the positive electrode material 100, the content of the coated active material 12 and the content of the first solid electrolyte 13 may be the same or may differ from each other.

First Solid Electrolyte and Second Solid Electrolyte Producing Method

The first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte contained in the coating layer 11 may be produced by, for example, the following method.

Raw material powders are prepared at a mixing ratio suitable for an intended composition and then mixed. Examples of the raw material powder include oxides, hydroxides, halides, and acid halides. For example, when Li₃YCl₆is to be produced, LiCl and YCl₃that are raw material powders for a binary halide are prepared at a molar ratio of 3:1.

In such an instance, “M1” and “X1” in the above-described formula representing the first solid electrolyte 13 can be determined by selecting the type of the raw material powders. In addition, values of “α1”, “β1”, “γ1”, “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” in the above-described formula representing the first solid electrolyte 13 can be adjusted by adjusting the type and the mixing ratio of the raw material powders and a synthesis process. “M2” and “X2” in the above-described formula representing the second solid electrolyte can be determined by selecting the type of the raw material powders. In addition, values of “δ1”, “ε1”, “ζ1”, “e”, “f”, “g”, “h”, “i”, “j”, and “k” in the above-described formula representing the second solid electrolyte can be adjusted by adjusting the type and the mixing ratio of the raw material powders and a synthesis process.

After the raw material powders are sufficiently mixed, the raw material powders are mixed, pulverized, and reacted with each other by using a method of mechanochemical milling. Alternatively, after the raw material powders are sufficiently mixed, heat treatment may be performed in a vacuum. Consequently, the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte are obtained.

The configuration of crystal phases (that is, crystal structures) in the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte can be determined by adjusting the reaction method and the reaction condition between the raw material powders.

Coated Active Material Producing Method

The coated active material 12 may be produced by, for example, the following method.

A powder of the second solid electrolyte is prepared as a coating material. A mixture is obtained by mixing a powder of the positive electrode active material 10 and the powder of the coating material at an appropriate ratio. The mixture is subjected to milling treatment so that the mixture is provided with mechanical energy. A mixing apparatus such as a ball mill can be used for the milling treatment. To suppress the material from being oxidized, the milling treatment may be performed in a dry and inert atmosphere.

The coated active material 12 may be produced by a dry particle composing method. The treatment by the dry particle composing method includes providing the positive electrode active material 10 and the coating material with at least one mechanical energy selected from the group consisting of impact, compression, and shear. The positive electrode active material 10 and the coating material are mixed at an appropriate ratio.

There is no particular limitation regarding the apparatus used in the producing method of the coated active material 12, and the apparatus may be an apparatus capable of providing the mixture of the positive electrode active material 10 and the coating material with the mechanical energy of impact, compression, and shear. Examples of the apparatus capable of providing the mechanical energy include compression shear type processing apparatuses (particle composing apparatuses) such as a ball mill, “MECHANO FUSION” (produced by Hosokawa Micron Corporation), and “NOBILTA” (produced by Hosokawa Micron Corporation).

“MECHANO FUSION” is a particle composing apparatus by using a dry mechanical composing technology based on application of high mechanical energy to a plurality of raw material particles that differ from each other. In MECHANO FUSION, the particles form a composite due to the raw material powders introduced between the rotating container and a press head being provided with the mechanical energy of compression, shear, and friction.

“NOBILTA” is a particle composing apparatus by using a dry mechanical composing technology which is a particle composing technology developed to perform composing by using a nanoparticle as a raw material. NOBILTA produces a composite particle by providing the plurality of raw material powders with the mechanical energy of impact, compression, and shear.

Regarding “NOBILTA”, in a horizontal and cylindrical mixing container, a rotor disposed having a predetermined gap between the rotor and the inner wall of the mixing container is rotated at a high speed, and treatment to forcedly pass the raw material powders through the gap is repeated a plurality of times. Consequently, force of impact, compression, and shear is applied to the mixture, and the composite particle of the positive electrode active material 10 and the coating material can be produced. The conditions such as the rotational speed of the rotor, the treatment time, and the amount of charge can be controlled as appropriate.

Positive Electrode Material Producing Method

The positive electrode material 100 is obtained by mixing the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13. There is no particular limitation regarding the method for mixing the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13. For example, the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 may be mixed by using an instrument such as a mortar, or the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13 may be mixed by using a mixing apparatus such as a ball mill. There is no particular limitation regarding the mixing ratio of the coated active material 12 and the first solid electrolyte 13.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment will be described below. Explanations overlapping with those of the first embodiment are omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view illustrating the configuration of a battery 200 according to a second embodiment.

The battery 200 according to the second embodiment includes a positive electrode 21, an electrolyte layer 22, and a negative electrode 23. The positive electrode 21 contains the positive electrode material 100 according to the first embodiment. The electrolyte layer 22 is disposed between the positive electrode 21 and the negative electrode 23.

According to the above-described configuration, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be decreased.

With respect to the ratio “v1:(100−v1)” of the volume of the positive electrode active material 10 to the total volume of the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte contained in the positive electrode 21, 30≤v1≤95 may be satisfied. Herein, v1 represents the volume ratio of the positive electrode active material 10 where the total volume of the positive electrode active material 10, the first solid electrolyte 13, and the second solid electrolyte contained in the positive electrode 21 is assumed to be 100. When 30≤v1 is satisfied, the energy density of the battery 200 can be sufficiently ensured. When v1≤95 is satisfied, the battery 200 may function with a high output.

The thickness of the positive electrode 21 may be greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 500 μm. When the thickness of the positive electrode 21 is greater than or equal to 10 μm, the energy density of the battery 200 is sufficiently ensured. When the thickness of the positive electrode 21 is less than or equal to 500 μm, the battery 200 may function with a high output.

The electrolyte layer 22 is a layer containing an electrolyte. The electrolyte is, for example, a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte contained in the electrolyte layer 22 is defined as a third solid electrolyte. That is, the electrolyte layer 22 may include a third solid electrolyte layer.

A halide solid electrolyte, a sulfide solid electrolyte, an oxide solid electrolyte, a polymeric solid electrolyte, or a complex hydride solid electrolyte may be used as the third solid electrolyte. According to the above-described configuration, the output density of the battery 200 may be further improved.

The same halide solid electrolyte as the first solid electrolyte 13 and/or the second solid electrolyte described in the first embodiment may be used as the halide solid electrolyte. That is, electrolyte layer 22 may contain a halide solid electrolyte having the same composition as the composition of the first solid electrolyte 13 and/or the second solid electrolyte. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the third solid electrolyte is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be further decreased.

In this regard, the third solid electrolyte may be a halide solid electrolyte having a composition different from the compositions of the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte. That is, the electrolyte layer 22 may contain a halide solid electrolyte having a composition different from the compositions of the first solid electrolyte 13 and the second solid electrolyte. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity of the third solid electrolyte is also improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be decreased.

Examples of the sulfide solid electrolyte include Li₂S—P₂S₅, Li₂S—SiS₂, Li₂S—B₂S₃, Li₂S—GeS₂, Li_3.25Ge_0.25P_0.75S₄, and Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂. LiX, Li₂O, MO_q, Li_pMO_q, and the like may be added to the sulfide solid electrolyte. Herein, X represents at least one selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, and I. M represents at least one selected from the group consisting of P, Si, Ge, B, Al, Ga, In, Fe, and Zn. p and q each represent a natural number. At least one sulfide solid electrolyte selected from the above-described materials may be used.

The sulfide solid electrolyte may contain lithium sulfide and phosphorus sulfide. The sulfide solid electrolyte may be Li₂S—P₂S₅.

Li₂S—P₂S₅has high ionic conductivity and is stable to oxidation and reduction. Therefore, Li₂S—P₂S₅being used as the third solid electrolyte enables a positive electrode material having a high electric potential, such as a Li-containing transition metal oxide, and a negative electrode material having a low electric potential, such as graphite or lithium metal, to be used. Consequently, the energy density of the battery 200 may be further improved.

Regarding the oxide solid electrolyte, for example, NASICON-type solid electrolytes represented by LiTi₂(PO₄)₃and element-substituted products thereof, (LaLi)TiO₃-based perovskite-type solid electrolytes, LISICON-type solid electrolytes represented by Li₁₄ZnGe₄O₁₆, Li₄SiO₄, and LiGeO₄and element-substituted products thereof, garnet-type solid electrolytes represented by Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂and element-substituted products thereof, Li₃N and H-substituted products thereof, Li₃PO₄and N-substituted products thereof, and glass or glass ceramics in which Li₂SO₄, Li₂CO₃, or the like is added to a Li—B—O compound such as LiBO₂or Li₃BO₃serving as a base may be used. At least one oxide solid electrolyte selected from the above-described materials may be used.

Regarding the polymeric solid electrolyte, for example, a compound of a polymeric compound and a lithium salt may be used. The polymeric compound may have an ethylene oxide structure. The polymeric compound having an ethylene oxide structure can contain a large amount of lithium salt. Therefore, the ionic conductivity can be further increased. Regarding the lithium salt, LiPF₆, LiBF₄, LiSbF₆, LiAsF₆, LiSO₃CF₃, LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂, LiN(SO₂C₂F₅)₂, LiN(SO₂CF₃)(SO₂C₄F₉), and LiC(SO₂CF₃)₃may be used. At least one lithium salt selected from the above-described lithium salts may be used.

Regarding the complex hydride solid electrolyte, for example, LiBH₄—LiI and LiBH₄—P₂S₅may be used.

The electrolyte layer 22 may contain the third solid electrolyte as a primary component. That is, the electrolyte layer 22 may contain, for example, greater than or equal to 50% on a mass basis (that is, greater than or equal to 50% by mass) of the third solid electrolyte relative to the total electrolyte layer 22. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity in the interior of the electrolyte layer 22 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be further decreased.

The electrolyte layer 22 may contain greater than or equal to 70% on a mass basis (that is, greater than or equal to 70% by mass) of the third solid electrolyte relative to the total electrolyte layer 22. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity in the interior of the electrolyte layer 22 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be further decreased.

The electrolyte layer 22 may contain the third solid electrolyte as a primary component and may further contain incidental impurities or starting raw materials used when the third solid electrolyte is synthesized, by-products, decomposition products, and the like.

The electrolyte layer 22 may contain 100% on a mass basis (that is, 100% by mass) of the third solid electrolyte relative to the total electrolyte layer 22 except for incidentally included impurities. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity in the interior of the electrolyte layer 22 is further improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be further decreased.

As described above, the electrolyte layer 22 may be composed of only the third solid electrolyte.

The electrolyte layer 22 may contain at least two of the materials mentioned as the third solid electrolyte. For example, the electrolyte layer 22 may contain a halide solid electrolyte and a sulfide solid electrolyte.

The thickness of the solid electrolyte layer 22 may be greater than or equal to 1 μm and less than or equal to 300 μm. When the thickness of the solid electrolyte layer 22 is greater than or equal to 1 μm, a short-circuit between the positive electrode 21 and the negative electrode 23 does not readily occur. When the thickness of the solid electrolyte layer 22 is less than or equal to 300 μm, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be further decreased. Consequently, the battery 200 can function with a high output.

The negative electrode 23 contains a material having characteristics of occluding and releasing metal ions (for example, lithium ions). The negative electrode 23 contains, for example, a negative electrode active material.

Regarding the negative electrode active material, metal materials, carbon materials, oxides, nitrides, tin compounds, silicon compounds, and the like may be used. The metal material may be a simple metal. The metal material may be an alloy. Examples of the metal material include a lithium metal and lithium alloys. Examples of the carbon material include natural graphite, coke, graphitizing carbon, carbon fiber, spherical carbon, artificial graphite, and amorphous carbon. Silicon (Si), tin (Sn), silicon compounds, and tin compounds being used enables the capacity density to be improved.

The negative electrode 23 may contain a solid electrolyte. The solid electrolytes exemplified as the third solid electrolyte constituting the electrolyte layer 22 may be used as the solid electrolyte. According to the above-described configuration, the ionic conductivity in the interior of the negative electrode 23 is improved. Consequently, the interfacial resistance of the battery 200 may be further decreased.

There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the negative electrode active material according to the second embodiment. The shape of the negative electrode active material may be, for example, needlelike, spherical, ellipsoidal, or the like. For example, the shape of the negative electrode active material may be granular.

There is no particular limitation regarding the shape of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 according to the second embodiment. The shape of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 may be, for example, needlelike, spherical, ellipsoidal, or the like. For example, the shape of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 may be granular.

When the shape of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 is granular (for example, spherical), the median diameter of the solid electrolyte may be less than or equal to 100 μm. The median diameter of the solid electrolyte being less than or equal to 100 μm enables the negative electrode active material and the solid electrolyte to form a favorable dispersion state in the negative electrode 23. Consequently, the charge-discharge characteristics of the battery 200 are improved.

The median diameter of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 may be less than or equal to 10 μm or may be less than or equal to 1 μm. According to the above-described configuration, the negative electrode active material and the solid electrolyte can form a favorable dispersion state in the negative electrode 23.

The median diameter of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 may be less than or equal to the median diameter of the negative electrode active material. According to the above-described configuration, the negative electrode active material and the solid electrolyte can form a more favorable dispersion state in the negative electrode 23.

The median diameter of the negative electrode active material may be greater than or equal to 0.1 μm and less than or equal to 100 μm. The median diameter of the negative electrode active material being greater than or equal to 0.1 μm enables the negative electrode active material and the solid electrolyte to form a favorable dispersion state in the negative electrode 23. Consequently, the charge-discharge characteristics of the battery 200 are improved. The median diameter of the negative electrode active material being less than or equal to 100 μm sufficiently ensures the diffusion rate of lithium in the negative electrode active material. Consequently, the battery 200 can function with a high output.

The median diameter of the negative electrode active material may be greater than the median diameter of the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23. Consequently, the negative electrode active material and the solid electrolyte can form a favorable dispersion state.

With respect to the ratio “v2:(100−v2)” of the volume of the negative electrode active material to the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23, 30≤v2≤95 may be satisfied. Herein, v2 represents the volume ratio of the negative electrode active material where the total volume of the negative electrode active material and the solid electrolyte contained in the negative electrode 23 is assumed to be 100. When 30≤v2 is satisfied, the energy density of the battery 200 can be sufficiently ensured. When v2≤95 is satisfied, the battery 200 may function with a high output.

The thickness of the negative electrode 23 may be greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 500 μm. When the thickness of the negative electrode 23 is greater than or equal to 10 μm, the energy density of the battery 200 is sufficiently ensured. When the thickness of the negative electrode 23 is less than or equal to 500 μm, the battery 200 may function with a high output.

To improve the adhesiveness between the particles, a binder may be contained in at least one selected from the group consisting of the positive electrode 21, the electrolyte layer 22, and the negative electrode 23. The binder is used to improve the bondability between the materials constituting the electrode. Examples of the binder include polyvinylidene fluorides, polytetrafluoroethylenes, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, aramid resins, polyamides, polyimides, polyamide-imides, polyacrylonitriles, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylic acid methyl esters, polyacrylic acid ethyl esters, polyacrylic acid hexyl esters, polymethacrylic acids, polymethacrylic acid methyl esters, polymethacrylic acid ethyl esters, polymethacrylic acid hexyl esters, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyethers, polyether sulfones, hexafluoropolypropylenes, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and carboxymethyl celluloses. In addition, copolymers of at least two materials selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, vinylidene fluoride, chlorotrifluoroethylene, ethylene, propylene, pentafluoropropylene, fluoromethyl vinyl ether, acrylic acid, and hexadiene may be used as the binder. In this regard, a mixture of at least two selected from the above-described materials may be used as the binder.

To improve the electron conductivity, at least one selected from the group consisting of the positive electrode 21 and the negative electrode 23 may contain a conductive additive. Regarding the conductive additive, for example, graphite such as natural graphite and artificial graphite, carbon black such as acetylene black and Ketjenblack, conductive fibers such as carbon fiber and metal fiber, metal powders of carbon fluoride, aluminum, and the like, conductive whiskers of zinc oxide, potassium titanate, and the like, conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide, and conductive polymer compounds such as polyanilines, polypyrroles, and polythiophenes may be used. When the carbon conductive additive is used, a cost reduction can be performed.

Examples of the shape of the battery 200 according to the second embodiment include a coin type, a cylindrical type, a square type, a sheet type, a button type, a flat type, and a stacked type.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the example and the comparative examples.

Example 1

Production of First Solid Electrolyte

In an argon glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C., LiCl, LiBr, CaBr₂, YCl₃, and GdCl₃serving as raw material powders were weighed at a molar ratio of LiCl:LiBr:CaBr₂:YCl₃:GdCl₃=0.256:0.461:0.026:0.154:0.103. The raw material powders were pulverized and mixed in a mortar. The resulting mixture was heat-treated by using a heat-treating furnace under conditions of 500° C. and 1 hour in a glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° ° C. Consequently, a powder of the first solid electrolyte of Example 1 was obtained. The first solid electrolyte of Example 1 had a composition of Li_2.8Ca_0.1Y_0.6Gd_0.4Br₂Cl₄(hereafter expressed as LCYGBC).

Production of Second Solid Electrolyte

In an argon glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C., LiCl, LiBr, and YCl₃serving as raw material powders were weighed at a molar ratio of LiCl:LiBr:YCl₃=0.250:0.500:0.250. The raw material powders were pulverized and mixed in a mortar. The resulting mixture was heat-treated by using a heat-treating furnace under conditions of 500° C. and 1 hour in a glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° ° C. Consequently, a powder of the second solid electrolyte of Example 1 was obtained. The second solid electrolyte of Example 1 had a composition of Li₃Y₁Br₂Cl₄(hereafter expressed as LYBC).

Production of Coated Active Material

Particles of Li(Ni,Co,Mn)O₂(hereafter expressed as NCM) were used as the positive electrode active material. The produced second solid electrolyte was used as the coating material. In an argon glove box, the positive electrode active material and the second solid electrolyte were weighed at a mass ratio of 0.909:0.091. These materials were placed into a dry particle composing apparatus (NOB-MINI produced by Hosokawa Micron Corporation). A coating layer of the second solid electrolyte was formed on the surface of the positive electrode active material by performing compression shear treatment under conditions of a blade clearance of 2 mm and a treatment time of 60 min. Consequently, a coated active material of Example 1 was obtained.

Production of Positive Electrode Material

In an argon glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C., the coated active material and the first solid electrolyte was weighed so that the ratio of the volume of the positive electrode active material (NCM) to the total volume of the first solid electrolyte (LCYGBC) and the second solid electrolyte (LYBC) was set to be 0.750:0.250. A positive electrode material of Example 1 was obtained by mixing these in an agate mortar.

Production of Third Solid Electrolyte

In an argon glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C., Li₂S and P₂S₅serving as raw material powders were weighed at a molar ratio of Li₂S:P₂S₅=0.750:0.250. The raw material powders were pulverized and mixed in a mortar. Thereafter, the resulting mixture was subjected to milling treatment by using a planetary ball mill (Model P-7 produced by Fritsch) under conditions of 12 hours and 500 rpm. Consequently, a glassy solid electrolyte was obtained. The resulting glassy solid electrolyte was heat-treated by using a heat-treating furnace under conditions of 270° ° C. and 2 hours in an argon glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C. Consequently, glass ceramic Li₂S—P₂S₅(hereafter expressed as LPS) serving as a sulfide solid electrolyte was obtained as the third solid electrolyte.

Production of Battery

The third solid electrolyte (LPS) in an amount of 94.0 mg was placed into an insulating tube having an inner diameter of 9.50 mm, and pressure molding was performed at a pressure of 80 MPa. Consequently, an electrolyte layer was produced.

The positive electrode material in an amount of 18.9 mg was placed onto one side of the electrolyte layer, and pressure molding was performed at a pressure of 720 MPa. Consequently, a positive electrode was produced.

Li metal foil having a thickness of 300 μm was stacked on the other side of the electrolyte layer, and a pressure of 80.0 MPa was applied. Consequently, a negative electrode was produced.

A collector composed of stainless steel was disposed on each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a collecting lead was attached to each collector.

Finally, the insulating tube was tightly sealed using an insulating ferrule so that the interior of the tube was isolated from an external atmosphere. Consequently, a battery of Example 1 was obtained.

Comparative Example 1

Production of Positive Electrode Material

NCM serving as the positive electrode active material was used without being coated with the second solid electrolyte. The ratio of the volume of the positive electrode active material (NCM) to the volume of the first solid electrolyte (LCYGBC) of Example 1 was set to be 0.750:0.250. A positive electrode material of Comparative example 1 was obtained as in Example 1 except for the above.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 1 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 1 was used.

Comparative Example 2

Production of Positive Electrode Material

The second solid electrolyte (LYBC) of Example 1 was used as the first solid electrolyte of Comparative example 2. The ratio of the volume of the positive electrode active material (NCM) to the total volume of the first solid electrolyte (LYBC) of Comparative example 2 and the second solid electrolyte (LYBC) was set to be 0.750:0.250. A positive electrode material of Comparative example 2 was obtained as in Example 1 except for the above.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 2 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 2 was used.

Comparative Example 3

Production of Positive Electrode Material

The second solid electrolyte (LYBC) of Example 1 was used as the first solid electrolyte of Comparative example 3. NCM serving as the positive electrode active material was used without being coated with the second solid electrolyte. The ratio of the volume of the positive electrode active material (NCM) to the volume of the first solid electrolyte (LYBC) of Comparative example 3 was set to be 0.750:0.250. A positive electrode material of Comparative example 3 was obtained as in Example 1 except for the above.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 3 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 3 was used.

Comparative Example 4

Production of Coated Active Material

A coated active material of Comparative example 4 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the first solid electrolyte (LCYGBC) of Example 1 was used as the second solid electrolyte (coating material) of Comparative example 4.

Production of Positive Electrode Material

A positive electrode material of Comparative example 4 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the coated active material of Comparative example 4 was used as the positive electrode active material.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 4 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 4 was used.

Comparative Example 5

Production of Positive Electrode Material

The second solid electrolyte (LYBC) of Example 1 was used as the first solid electrolyte of Comparative example 5. The coated active material of Comparative example 4 was used as the positive electrode active material. A positive electrode material of Comparative example 5 was obtained as in Example 1 except for the above.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 5 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 5 was used.

Comparative Example 6

Production of Second Solid Electrolyte

In an argon glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C., LiCl and YCl₃serving as raw material powders were weighed at a molar ratio of LiCl:YCl₃=0.750:0.250. The raw material powders were pulverized and mixed in a mortar. The resulting mixture was heat-treated by using a heat-treating furnace under conditions of 600° C. and 1 hour in a glove box at a dew point of lower than or equal to −60° C. Consequently, a powder of the second solid electrolyte of Comparative example 6 was obtained. The second solid electrolyte of Comparative example 6 had a composition of Li₃Y₁Cl₆(hereafter expressed as LYC).

Production of Coated Active Material

A coated active material of Comparative example 6 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the produced second solid electrolyte (LYC) was used as the coating material of Comparative example 6.

Production of Positive Electrode Material

A positive electrode material of Comparative example 6 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the coated active material of Comparative example 6 was used as the positive electrode active material.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 6 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 6 was used.

Comparative Example 7

Production of Positive Electrode Material

The second solid electrolyte (LYBC) of Example 1 was used as the first solid electrolyte of Comparative example 7. The coated active material of Comparative example 6 was used as the positive electrode active material. A positive electrode material of Comparative example 7 was obtained as in Example 1 except for the above.

Production of Battery

A battery of Comparative example 7 was obtained as in Example 1 except that the positive electrode material of Comparative example 7 was used.

Measurement of Young's Modulus

Regarding LCYGBC, LYBC, and LYC used as the first solid electrolyte and the second solid electrolyte in the example and the comparative examples, Young's modulus was measured in the following procedure.

Young's modulus was calculated from a load-displacement curve measured using a nanoindenter (T1980 produced by Bruker). Table 1 presents calculated Young's modulus.

Charge-Discharge Test

The battery of each of the example and the comparative examples was subjected to a charge-discharge test under the following conditions, and the charge capacity and the discharge capacity in the initial state were measured.

Initially, the battery was arranged in a constant-temperature bath at 25° C.

The battery was charged at a current density of 147 μA/cm²until the positive electrode reached a voltage of 4.30 V relative to the negative electrode. The current density corresponds to a 0.05 C-rate (20-hour rate) with respect to the theoretical capacity of the battery. Charge means the state in which a current flows in the direction of lithium ions moving from the positive electrode containing NCM to the Li metal (that is, negative electrode).

Subsequently, the battery was discharged at a current density of 147 μA/cm