Research Project Abstract: With the increase of electrical vehicles, cell phones, tablets and laptop computers, there is an increased need for Lithium batteries that are safer, and last longer. By using a solid-state electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte, batteries can be safer and last longer. In this project, the use of Al-LLZO was researched to find the most effective parameters for forming a tape cast that will be used for battery creation. Various solvents and combinations of solvents were used to form the most stable slurry for tape casting. In addition to various solvents, various mixing techniques were used in order to create the most surface area for the ceramic powder in order to ensure the best possible coating of each particle. The mixing techniques used included Ultrasonic cleaner, magnetic stirrer, and Ball Mixing with various times of mixing. Once a suitable slurry was created with the Al-LLZO, tape casting was used to create a battery electrolyte. Then batteries were tested for conductivity. It was found that the best solvent was a 1:1 xylene and isopropanol combination. It was also determined that Ball Milling with Zirconium balls for 5 hours produced the most stable slurry.

Video made by Sandra DeYoung about her research results and experience in this RET program (Click Here). 

Lesson Plan Submitted to TeachEngineering: Let’s build and test a battery!  (Status: under revision)