A novel gradient composition spreading and nanolayer stacking process for combinatorial thin-film materials library fabrication

Improving the Ionic Conductivity of the LLZO–LZO Thin Film through Indium Doping

A solid-state electrolyte with an ionic conductivity comparable to that of a liquid electrolyte is demanded of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) is considered to be a promising candidate due to its good thermal stability, high ionic conductivity, and wide electrochemical window. However, the synthesis of a stable cubic-phase LLZO thin film with enhanced densification at a relatively low thermal treatment temperature is yet to be developed. Indium is predicted to be a possible dopant to stabilize the cubic-phase LLZO (c-LLZO). Herein, via a nanolayer stacking process, a LLZO–Li2CO3–In2O3 multilayer solid electrolyte precursor was obtained. After thermal annealing at different temperatures, the effects of indium doping on the formation of c-LLZO and the ionic conductivities of the prepared LLZO–LZO thin film were systematically investigated. The highest ionic conductivity of 9.6 × 10−6 S·cm–1 was obtained at an annealing temperature of 800 °C because the incorporation of indium promoted the formation of c-LLZO and the highly conductive LLZO–LZO interfaces. At the end, a model of LLZO–LZO interface-enhancing ionic conductivity was proposed. This work provides a new approach for the development of low-temperature LLZO-based, solid-state thin-film batteries.

Multi-channel fiber optical spectrometer for high-throughput characterization of photoluminescence properties

High-throughput experiment can significantly accelerate the materials research efficiency. Thanks to national efforts, the Materials Genome Initiative further promotes the development of high-throughput experimental technology. A multi-channel fiber optical spectrometer has been designed and developed by us for high-throughput characterization of photoluminescence (PL) properties. It can quickly and automatically detect the PL spectrum, Commission International de l'Eclairage chromaticity, and PL intensity over time for luminescent materials under a given condition. The multi-channel fiber optical spectrometer synergistically combines a sample library holder, multiple modular excitation sources, multiple spectrometers, and Coral software, so it can measure and analyze multiple samples simultaneously. The number of channels in the multi-channel fiber optical spectrometer can be added or subtracted as required. Various modular light-emitting diode or laser diode excitation sources with the wavelength from 370 nm to 980 nm and corresponding filters can be provided according to the measurement need of different luminescent materials. The monitoring wavelength of the currently used fiber optical spectrometer is from 300 nm to 1000 nm. For example, the PL spectral measurement of 54 samples in a {6 × 9} array is completed in only about 30 min by using a representative triple-channel fiber optical spectrometer. The designed multi-channel fiber optical spectrometer facility not only makes PL measurements faster and more intuitive but is also easy to popularize for wide users.