Lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) garnet-structured solid electrolytes present significant processing challenges in achieving both high ionic conductivity and structural integrity. Current materials demonstrate conductivities of 10^-4 to 10^-3 S/cm at room temperature, yet conventional synthesis requires sintering temperatures between 1125-1230°C that can compromise phase stability. Meanwhile, electrode-electrolyte interfaces exhibit resistance values orders of magnitude higher than the bulk electrolyte, creating performance bottlenecks in real-world cells.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing the cubic phase stability and microstructural control of LLZO while developing manufacturing methods compatible with existing battery production infrastructure.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including controlled low-temperature sintering processes, polymer matrix-assisted synthesis of nanocrystals, high-temperature atomic layer deposition for conformal films, and strategic dopant incorporation for enhanced conductivity. These and other approaches demonstrate pathways to commercialization through scalable manufacturing techniques that preserve the material's desirable electrochemical properties while addressing practical implementation hurdles.

1. Solid-State Lithium-Ion Battery with Garnet-Structured LLZO Solid Electrolyte and Controlled Low-Temperature Sintering Process

SK ON CO LTD, 2024

Solid-state lithium-ion battery with enhanced safety and performance through the use of garnet-structured lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) solid electrolyte. The battery features a solid electrolyte that eliminates the traditional liquid electrolyte, allowing for improved safety and structural integrity. The solid electrolyte is fabricated through a controlled sintering process at lower temperatures (900-1200°C) compared to conventional liquid electrolyte processing, enabling densification and maintaining the crystal structure integrity of the LLZO material. This results in improved ionic conductivity, stability, and overall performance characteristics compared to traditional liquid electrolyte-based batteries.

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2. High-Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition of Conformal Lithium Lanthanum Zirconate Thin Films on Three-Dimensional Substrates

ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2023

Fabricating conformal lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) thin films on 3D substrates using a novel, high-temperature ALD process that enables direct deposition of LLZO onto complex geometries. The method involves heating a solution containing lithium and lanthanum salts to form a molten salt mixture, which is then deposited onto the substrate using ALD. The resulting LLZO film maintains its crystalline structure and high ionic conductivity despite the substrate's complex morphology, making it suitable for 3D battery architectures.

3. Polymer Matrix-Assisted Synthesis of Cubic Lithium Lanthanum Zirconate Nanocrystals

ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2023

A novel synthesis method for cubic lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) nanocrystals that eliminates the need for carbonaceous foam formation and conventional calcination. The synthesis involves a polymer-based precursor solution where metal salts dissolve in a polymer matrix, allowing homogeneous dispersion of the precursors through controlled drying. This approach enables the formation of nanosized cubic LLZO particles through pyrolysis of the polymer matrix, without the need for traditional carbonaceous foaming or calcination steps.

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4. Method for Depositing Conformal Lithium Lanthanum Zirconate Thin Films on 3D Substrates Using Molten Salt Reaction

Candace Chan, 2022

Fabricating conformal lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) thin films on 3D architectures for high energy and power applications. The method involves depositing LLZO onto a substrate using a controlled reaction between lithium and lanthanum precursors in a molten salt bath, followed by cooling to form a solid-state lithium lanthanum zirconate coating. The process enables the deposition of high-quality LLZO films on 3D substrates with channel voids, achieving superior ionic conductivity compared to conventional vapor deposition methods.

5. Li7La3Zr2O12-Based Solid Electrolyte with Ba and Nb Doping for Reduced Sintering Temperature

ANHUI YANSHITONG MATERIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

Solid electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries with improved thermal stability and reduced sintering temperature. The electrolyte consists of Li7La3Zr2O12, with a specific composition of Li6.54La2.96Ba0.04Zr1.5Nb0.5O12. The composition is optimized for low sintering temperature (around 800-900°C) while maintaining high lithium ion conductivity. The electrolyte preparation method involves a controlled reaction between lithium salts and the oxide precursor, which produces a uniform solid electrolyte with minimal grain boundary formation.

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6. Lithium-Garnet Composite Ceramic Electrolyte with Grain Boundary Bonding and Metal Oxide Secondary Phase

CORNING INC, 2022

Lithium-garnet composite ceramic electrolyte for solid-state lithium metal batteries that enhances critical current density through a novel grain boundary bonding mechanism. The electrolyte comprises a lithium-garnet primary phase with a grain growth inhibitor secondary phase containing metal oxides in the range of 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%. The secondary phase is formed through a combination of air carbonation and acid treatment, and is incorporated into the garnet lattice. The resulting composite exhibits improved conductivity and density compared to conventional garnet-based electrolytes, with a relative density of at least 90% of the theoretical maximum density.

7. Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide and Lithium Cobalt Oxide Composite with Layered Structure

HANGZHOU ZHONGDA NEW ENERGY MATERIALS CO LTD, 杭州众达新能源材料有限公司, 2022

Lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide/lithium cobalt oxide composite material and preparation method for solid-state lithium batteries. The composite material comprises a lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide layer with a lithium cobalt oxide layer coating, where the lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide layer is formed from pure phase lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide and the lithium cobalt oxide layer is formed from lithium cobalt oxide. The composite material achieves improved interface resistance in the cathode by eliminating the lithium carbonate layer formed by the lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide surface, thereby enhancing ionic conductivity and reversible capacity.

8. Synthesis of Lithium Lanthanum Zirconate from Ultrafine Lanthanum Zirconate Nanocrystals

Candace Chan, 2021

Synthesis of lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) from lanthanum zirconate (LZO) nanocrystals through a novel approach of starting with ultrafine LZO precursors. The synthesis involves forming LZO nanocrystals with excess lanthanum and then reacting them with lithium precursors to produce a slurry suitable for tape casting. The resulting LZO thin films exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including flexibility and non-brittleness, and are suitable for high-performance battery applications.

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9. Solid Electrolyte Composition of Lithium, Lanthanum, and Zirconium with Controlled Heat Treatment

SEIKO EPSON CORP, 2021

Solid electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries that enhances lithium ion conductivity while maintaining structural integrity. The solid electrolyte composition comprises a mixture of lithium, lanthanum, and zirconium powders in a specific ratio, which undergoes a controlled heat treatment process. The treatment involves heating the mixture at temperatures above 1125°C for 30 hours and below 1230°C for 50 hours. This process enables the formation of a solid electrolyte with improved lithium ion conductivity while maintaining its mechanical properties.

10. Solid Electrolyte Film Comprising Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Garnet with Uniform Crystallization from Precursor Solution

UNIV HAINAN, 2021

Solid electrolyte film for lithium-ion batteries with improved conductivity and stability. The film is prepared through a novel precursor solution process that enables uniform crystallization of the lithium lanthanum zirconium garnet (LLZO) solid electrolyte. The solution is formulated with a specific composition that balances the lithium content with citric acid and ethylene glycol, ensuring complete phase formation and minimizing defects. The resulting film exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity and uniformity, making it suitable for all-solid-state battery applications.

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11. Method for Modifying Carbonate Layers on Solid-State Electrolyte Electrodes with Salt Modifier Incorporation

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, 2021

Method to enhance lithium-ion battery performance by modifying carbonate layers on solid-state electrolyte electrodes. The modification involves incorporating a lithium or sodium salt modifier into the carbonate layer itself, forming a hybrid layer with enhanced ionic conductivity. The process can be achieved through atomic layer deposition (AAD) of the modifier and carbonate mixture, or through simultaneous deposition of the modifier and carbonate. This approach preserves the natural ceramic structure while introducing the necessary conductivity to lithium-ion transport. The modified layers can be incorporated into solid-state battery components, such as separators, electrodes, or electrolyte matrices.

12. Polymer-Assisted Synthesis Method for Cubic Lithium Lanthanum Zirconate Nanocrystals

ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2020

A novel synthesis method for high-quality cubic lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO) nanocrystals that overcomes traditional solid-state synthesis challenges. The method employs a polymer-based approach where metal salts are dissolved in a polymer solution, which is then dried to form a solid. The polymer acts as a dispersion medium for the metal salts, allowing for homogeneous dispersion of the precursors and controlled growth of the nanocrystals. The resulting LLZO particles exhibit high purity and uniform size, with improved conductivity compared to traditional solid-state methods.

13. Composite Solid Electrolyte with Inorganic Lithium and Oxygen Ion Conductors and Ceramic Filler

UNIV CENTRAL SOUTH, 2020

A composite solid electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries that achieves higher ionic conductivity and improved ion migration properties compared to traditional polymer-based electrolytes. The electrolyte combines inorganic lithium ion and oxygen ion conductors, enabling enhanced ionic conductivity and faster ion migration rates. The composition includes a lithium ion conductor, an oxygen ion conductor, and a ceramic filler, which together provide superior performance characteristics for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

14. Buffer Layer Comprising Lithium Fluoride and Carbon Materials with Overlapping Stacking Structure for Solid Electrolyte-Positive Electrode Interfaces in All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

HANGZHOU ZHONGDA NEW ENERGY MAT CO LTD, 2020

A buffer layer for solid electrolyte-positive electrode interfaces in all-solid-state lithium batteries. The buffer layer is composed of lithium fluoride and carbon materials that form an overlapping stacking structure. This interface layer enhances interface wettability and reduces interface resistance, enabling stable electrochemical performance in all-solid-state batteries. The buffer layer is prepared through a simple suspension-dispersion process followed by solidification, making it a scalable and cost-effective solution for improving battery performance.

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15. Solid Electrolyte Surface Modification via Acidification-Induced Layer Formation

SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF CERAMICS CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, 2020

A surface modification technique for solid electrolytes in lithium metal batteries that enables enhanced electrochemical performance. The method involves pre-passivating the electrolyte surface with an acidification reaction, followed by a layer formation process that generates a modified surface layer. This modified layer enhances the electrolyte's ionic conductivity, charge storage capacity, and overall electrochemical stability. The modified layer can be engineered to optimize performance through precise control of surface chemistry and structure.

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16. Crystalline Electrolyte with Gallium, Lanthanum, and Neodymium Substitution and Secondary Lithium-Boron-Oxygen Filling

SEIKO EPSON CORP, 2020

Electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries that enables both improved lithium ion conductivity and reduced grain boundary resistance through a novel approach. The electrolyte is created by combining gallium, lanthanum, and neodymium in a specific composition, with gallium and lanthanum substituting lithium in the oxide lattice. The composition is then heated to form a crystalline electrolyte, which is then filled with a second electrolyte containing lithium, boron, and oxygen. This filling process creates a composite material with improved lithium ion conductivity and reduced grain boundary resistance compared to conventional electrolyte fill methods.

17. Perovskite-Type Lithium Ion Solid Electrolyte Separator with Enhanced Vacancy Density and Enlarged Ion Transmission Channels

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, 2020

A perovskite-type lithium ion solid electrolyte separator for lithium-ion batteries that prevents lithium dendrite growth through enhanced ionic conductivity. The separator comprises a perovskite-type lithium ion solid electrolyte material with increased lithium ion content, enhanced vacancy density, and significantly enlarged lithium ion transmission channel size. The separator is prepared through a controlled synthesis process involving the preparation of perovskite-type lithium ion solid electrolyte materials and subsequent processing into a separator material.

18. All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Battery with Flexible Ceramic Solid Electrolyte Formed by Nanoparticle Slurry Sintering

FISKER INC, 2020

An all-solid-state lithium-ion battery (LIB) with a mechanically flexible ceramic solid electrolyte to improve safety, power, and cycle life compared to liquid electrolytes. The battery uses thin films of ceramic solid electrolytes prepared by freezing, casting, and sintering nanoparticle slurries. The ceramic electrolytes have conductivity equivalent to liquid electrolytes and low activation energies. They are formed into thin films with thicknesses like existing electrolyte membranes. The flexible ceramic electrolytes prevent dendrite growth, short circuits, and improve cycling compared to liquid electrolytes. They can also be used as composite layers with cathode and anode materials to maximize utilization and accelerate ionic conductivity.

19. Lithium Lanthanum Titanate Composite with Lithium Chloride for Enhanced Ionic Conductivity

ZHENGZHOU XINSHIJI MATERIALS GENOMICS ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE LTD, 2019

Lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) composite material for lithium-ion batteries, comprising a combination of LLTO and lithium chloride (LiCl) powders. The composite material achieves improved ionic conductivity through the incorporation of LiCl, which enhances the overall conductivity of the LLTO matrix while maintaining its structural integrity. The material composition is optimized to balance conductivity and stability, enabling higher performance lithium-ion batteries with improved safety and operating temperature range.

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20. Porous Ceramic Material with Multi-Step Sintering and Activation for Solid Electrolyte Use

HUIZHOU FUJI ELECTRONIC MATERIAL CO LTD, 2019

Porous ceramic material for solid electrolyte applications in lithium-ion batteries, enabling enhanced lithium ion conductivity and stability. The material is created through a multi-step process: first, a porous ceramic is formed through sintering and pulverization of specific components, followed by re-sintering to create a uniform structure. The ceramic is then subjected to activation treatment to enhance its electrochemical properties. The resulting material exhibits superior conductivity and stability compared to conventional solid electrolyte materials, addressing key challenges in all-solid-state battery technology.

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21. Lithium Borate Composite Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Tantalum Oxide Solid Electrolyte

22. Low-Temperature Solid-Phase Synthesis Method for LiCuLaZrMO Solid Electrolytes

23. Surface-Coated Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide Solid Electrolyte with Chemical Vapor Deposition Applied Coating

24. Doping Method for Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide with Lithium Aluminum Silicate in Pre-Fired Tantalum Matrix

25. Lithium-Ion Conductive Cubic Garnet Membrane via Non-Flame Combustion Nano-Powder Synthesis with Low-Temperature Calcination

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