FURI | Spring 2025

Improving Manufacturability of LiPON for Use in Solid-State Batteries Through Rapid Open-Air Sintering

LiPON (lithium phosphorus oxynitride) is a glassy material commercialized as a solid electrolyte in solid-state batteries — batteries that are safer and ideally more efficient than modern batteries. However, currently, LiPON suffers from long production times and poor electrical qualities compared to standard lithium-ion electrolytes. Open-air printing coupled with rapid thermal processing and plasma treatment are novel methods of sintering or forming LiPON that are significantly faster than most current processes. This study explores the efficacy of rapid thermal processing and plasma treatment in creating printed LiPON electrolytes. Material composition and performance analysis is conducted through impedance and optical emission spectroscopy.