Fabrication of all-solid-state battery using Li5La3Ta2O12 ceramic electrolyte

The chemical and electrochemical properties of Li5La3Ta2O12 (LLTa) solid electrolyte were extensively investigated to determine its compatibility with an all-solid-state battery. A well-sintered LLTa pellet with a garnet-like structure was obtained after sintering at 1200 °C for 24 h. Li ion conductivity of the LLTa pellet was estimated to be 1.3×10−4 S cm−1. The LLTa pellet was stable when in contact with lithium metal. This indicates that Li metal anode, which is the best anode material, can be applied with the LLTa system. A full cell composed of LiCoO2/LLTa/Li configuration was constructed, and its electrochemical properties were tested. In the resulting cyclic voltammogram, a clear redox couple of LiCoO2 was observed, implying that the all-solid-state battery with the Li metal anode was successfully operated at room temperature. The redox peaks of the battery were still observed even after one year of storage in an Ar-filled glove-box. It can be concluded that the LLTa electrolyte is a promising candidate for the all-solid-state battery because of its relatively high Li ion conductivity and good stability when in contact with Li metal anode and LiCoO2 cathode.