Abstract: Electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode includes an electrolyte component consisting of a polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles embedded in the matrix to form a networking structure of electrolyte. Suitable ceramic nanoparticles have the basic formula Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and its derivatives such as AlxLi7-xLa3Zr2-y-zTayNbzO12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85, y ranges from 0 to 0.50 and z ranges from 0 to 0.75, wherein at least one of x, y and z is not equal to 0. The networking structure of the electrolyte establishes an effective lithium-ion transport pathway in the electrode and strengthens the contact between electrode layer and solid-state electrolyte resulting in higher lithium-ion electrochemical cell's cycling stability and longer battery life. Sold-state electrolytes incorporating the ceramic particles demonstrate improved performance.

Abstract: A ceramic-polymer film includes a polymer matrix; a plasticizer; a lithium salt; and AlxLi7-xLa3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 where x ranges from 0.01 to 1 (LLZO), wherein the LLZO are nanoparticles with diameters that range from 20 to 2000 nm and wherein the film has an ionic conductivity of greater than 1×10?3 S/cm at room temperature. The nanocomposite film can be formed on a substrate and the concentration of LLZO nanoparticles decreases in the direction of the substrate to form a concentration gradient over the thickness of the film. The film can be employed as a non-flammable, solid-state electrolyte for lithium electrochemical cells and batteries. The LLZO serves as a barrier to dendrite growth.

Abstract: A ceramic-polymer film includes a polymer matrix; a plasticizer; a lithium salt; and AlxLi7-xLa3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 where x ranges from 0.01 to 1 (LLZO), wherein the LLZO are nanoparticles with diameters that range from 20 to 2000 nm and wherein the film has an ionic conductivity of greater than 1×10?3 S/cm at room temperature. The nanocomposite film can be formed on a substrate and the concentration of LLZO nanoparticles decreases in the direction of the substrate to form a concentration gradient over the thickness of the film. The film can be employed as a non-flammable, solid-state electrolyte for lithium electrochemical cells and batteries. The LLZO serves as a barrier to dendrite growth.

Abstract: Electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode includes an electrolyte component consisting of a polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles embedded in the matrix to form a networking structure of electrolyte. Suitable ceramic nanoparticles have the basic formula Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and its derivatives such as AlxLi7-xLa3Zr2-y-zTayNbzO12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85, y ranges from 0 to 0.50 and z ranges from 0 to 0.75, wherein at least one of x, y and z is not equal to 0. The networking structure of the electrolyte establishes an effective lithium-ion transport pathway in the electrode and strengthens the contact between electrode layer and solid-state electrolyte resulting in higher lithium-ion electrochemical cell's cycling stability and longer battery life. Sold-state electrolytes incorporating the ceramic particles demonstrate improved performance.

Abstract: Electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode includes an electrolyte component consisting of a polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles embedded in the matrix to form a networking structure of electrolyte. Suitable ceramic nanoparticles have the basic formula Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and its derivatives such as AlxLi7-xLa3Zr2-y-zTayNbzO12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85, y ranges from 0 to 0.50 and z ranges from 0 to 0.75, wherein at least one of x, y and z is not equal to 0. The networking structure of the electrolyte establishes an effective lithium-ion transport pathway in the electrode and strengthens the contact between electrode layer and solid-state electrolyte resulting in higher lithium-ion electrochemical cell's cycling stability and longer battery life. Sold-state electrolytes incorporating the ceramic particles demonstrate improved performance.

Abstract: A high performance, lead free, Ag paste thermal interface material (TIM) for die attachment and substrate bonding in electronic packaging includes: (i) multiscale silver particles, (ii) metal-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), (iii) a polymer, and (iv) a liquid carrier. The multiscale silver particles and metal-coated carbon nanotubes, which function as hybrid filler components, are uniformly dispersed within the TIM composition. The sintered TIM exhibits high density, high mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity. The components of the liquid carrier including the solvent, binder, surfactants, and thinner are completely evaporated or burned off during sintering. Sintering of the TIM can be conducted at a relatively low temperature, without or with very low (<0.1 MPa) pressure, in open air and without vacuum or inert gas protection. The TIM can be utilized in substrate bonding not only on conventional metal-plated surfaces but also bare Cu substrate surfaces.

Abstract: Electrolyte-infiltrated composite electrode includes an electrolyte component consisting of a polymer matrix with ceramic nanoparticles embedded in the matrix to form a networking structure of electrolyte. Suitable ceramic nanoparticles have the basic formula Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and its derivatives such as AlxLi7-xLa3Zr2-y-zTayNbzO12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85, y ranges from 0 to 0.50 and z ranges from 0 to 0.75, wherein at least one of x, y and z is not equal to 0. The networking structure of the electrolyte establishes an effective lithium-ion transport pathway in the electrode and strengthens the contact between electrode layer and solid-state electrolyte resulting in higher lithium-ion electrochemical cell's cycling stability and longer battery life. Sold-state electrolytes incorporating the ceramic particles demonstrate improved performance.

Abstract: Ceramic-polymer film includes a polymer matrix, plasticizers, a lithium salt, and a ceramic nanoparticle, LLZO: AlxLi7-xLa3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85. The nanoparticles have diameters that range from 20 to 2000 nm and the film has an ionic conductivity of greater than 1×10?4 S/cm (?20° C. to 10° C.) and larger than 1×10?3 S/cm (?20° C.). Using a combination of selected plasticizers to tune the ionic transport temperature dependence enables the battery based on the ceramic-polymer film to be operable in a wide temperature window (?40° C. to 90° C.). Large size nanocomposite film (area ?8 cm×6 cm) can be formed on a substrate and the concentration of LLZO nanoparticles decreases in the direction of the substrate to form a concentration gradient over the thickness of the film. This large size film can be employed as a non-flammable, solid-state electrolyte for lithium electrochemical pouch cell and further assembled into battery packs.

Abstract: Spherical ceramic-glass nanocomposite dielectrics made from ceramics and glasses that are separately pre-milled by mechanical ball milling using selected ball-to-powder weight ratios and combined to form a mixture that is ball milled. A stable liquid suspension of the milled mixture including an added dispersant such as polyacrylic acid to improve uniformity is spray dried through a nozzle and recovered product is annealed. The novel dielectrics have a microstructure where ceramic primary particles are uniformly distributed and fully embedded in a glass matrix. The dielectrics have a mean particle size of about 1-20 um and a sphericity of about 0.8 or higher which are suitable for fabricating multilayer ceramic capacitors for high temperature applications. The novel dielectrics afford decreased sintering temperature, enhanced breakdown strength, lower dielectric lose tangent, and lower costs.

Abstract: A high performance, lead free, Ag paste thermal interface material (TIM) for die attachment and substrate bonding in electronic packaging includes: (i) multiscale silver particles, (ii) metal-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), (iii) a polymer, and (iv) a liquid carrier. The multiscale silver particles and metal-coated carbon nanotubes, which function as hybrid filler components, are uniformly dispersed within the TIM composition. The sintered TIM exhibits high density, high mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity. The components of the liquid carrier including the solvent, binder, surfactants, and thinner are completely evaporated or burned off during sintering. Sintering of the TIM can be conducted at a relatively low temperature, without or with very low (<0.1 MPa) pressure, in open air and without vacuum or inert gas protection. The TIM can be utilized in substrate bonding not only on conventional metal-plated surfaces but also bare Cu substrate surfaces.

Abstract: Ceramic-polymer film includes a polymer matrix, plasticizers, a lithium salt, and a ceramic nanoparticle, LLZO: AlxLi7-xLa3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 where x ranges from 0 to 0.85. The nanoparticles have diameters that range from 20 to 2000 nm and the film has an ionic conductivity of greater than 1×10?4 S/cm (?20° C. to 10° C.) and larger than 1×10?3 S/cm (?20° C.). Using a combination of selected plasticizers to tune the ionic transport temperature dependence enables the battery based on the ceramic-polymer film to be operable in a wide temperature window (?40° C. to 90° C.). Large size nanocomposite film (area ?8 cm×6 cm) can be formed on a substrate and the concentration of LLZO nanoparticles decreases in the direction of the substrate to form a concentration gradient over the thickness of the film. This large size film can be employed as a non-flammable, solid-state electrolyte for lithium electrochemical pouch cell and further assembled into battery packs.

Abstract: A ceramic-polymer film includes a polymer matrix; a plasticizer; a lithium salt; and AlxLi7-xLa3Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 where x ranges from 0.01 to 1 (LLZO), wherein the LLZO are nanoparticles with diameters that range from 20 to 2000 nm and wherein the film has an ionic conductivity of greater than 1×10?3 S/cm at room temperature. The nanocomposite film can be formed on a substrate and the concentration of LLZO nanoparticles decreases in the direction of the substrate to form a concentration gradient over the thickness of the film. The film can be employed as a non-flammable, solid-state electrolyte for lithium electrochemical cells and batteries. The LLZO serves as a barrier to dendrite growth.

Abstract: Spherical ceramic-glass nanocomposite dielectrics made from ceramics and glasses that are separately pre-milled by mechanical ball milling using selected ball-to-powder weight ratios and combined to form a mixture that is ball milled. A stable liquid suspension of the milled mixture including an added dispersant such as polyacrylic acid to improve uniformity is spray dried through a nozzle and recovered product is annealed. The novel dielectrics have a microstructure where ceramic primary particles are uniformly distributed and fully embedded in a glass matrix. The dielectrics have a mean particle size of about 1-20 um and a sphericity of about 0.8 or higher which are suitable for fabricating multilayer ceramic capacitors for high temperature applications. The novel dielectrics afford decreased sintering temperature, enhanced breakdown strength, lower dielectric lose tangent, and lower costs.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention include creating cathode materials that have high energy density and are cost-effective, environmentally benign, and are able to be charged and discharged at high rates for a large number of cycles over a period of years. One embodiment is a battery material comprised of a doped nanocomposite. The doped nanocomposite may be comprised of Li—Co—PO4; C; and at least one X, where said X is a metal for substituting or doping into LiCoPO4. In certain embodiments, the doped nanocomposite may be LiCoMnPO4/C. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of creating a battery material comprising the steps of high energy ball milling particles to create complex particles, and sintering said complex particles to create a nanocomposite. The high energy ball milling may dope and composite the particles to create the complex particles.

Abstract: A superior braze material, along with a method of producing the braze material and a method of sealing, joining or bonding materials through brazing is disclosed. The braze material is based on a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, typically Ag—CuO, with the addition of a small amount of metal oxide and/or metal such as TiO2, Al2O3, YSZ, Al, and Pd that will further improve wettability and joint strength. Braze filer materials, typically either in the form of paste or thin foil, may be prepared by a high-energy cryogenic ball milling process. This process allows the braze material to form at a finer size, thereby allowing more evenly dispersed braze particles in the resultant braze layer between on the surface of the ceramic substrate and metallic parts.

Abstract: A superior braze material, along with a method of producing the braze material and a method of sealing, joining or bonding materials through brazing is disclosed. The braze material is based on a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, typically Ag—CuO, with the addition of a small amount of metal oxide and/or metal such as TiO2, Al2O3, YSZ, Al, and Pd that will further improve wettability and joint strength. Braze filer materials, typically either in the form of paste or thin foil, may be prepared by a high-energy cryogenic ball milling process. This process allows the braze material to form at a finer size, thereby allowing more evenly dispersed braze particles in the resultant braze layer between on the surface of the ceramic substrate and metallic parts.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention include creating cathode materials that have high energy density and are cost-effective, environmentally benign, and are able to be charged and discharged at high rates for a large number of cycles over a period of years. One embodiment is a battery material comprised of a doped nanocomposite. The doped nanocomposite may be comprised of Li—Co—PO4; C; and at least one X, where said X is a metal for substituting or doping into LiCoPO4. In certain embodiments, the doped nanocomposite may be LiCoMnPO4/C. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of creating a battery material comprising the steps of high energy ball milling particles to create complex particles, and sintering said complex particles to create a nanocomposite. The high energy ball milling may dope and composite the particles to create the complex particles.

Abstract: Versions of the present invention have many advantages, including operation under high temperatures, or high frequencies while providing the required current for switching a SiC VJFET, providing electrical isolation and minimizing dv/dt noise. One embodiment is a silicon carbide gate driver comprising a first group of silicon on insulator devices and passive components and a second group of silicon carbide devices. The first group may have equivalent temperatures of operation and equivalent frequencies of operation as the second group.