Patents by Inventor Niall Donnelly
Niall Donnelly has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11916200Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to rechargeable batteries and solid electrolytes therefore which include lithium-stuffed garnet oxides, for example, in a thin film, pellet, or monolith format wherein the density of defects at a surface or surfaces of the solid electrolyte is less than the density of defects in the bulk. In certain disclosed embodiments, the solid-state anolyte, electrolyte, and catholyte thin films, separators, and monoliths consist essentially of an oxide that conducts Li+ ions. In some examples, the disclosure herein presents new and useful solid electrolytes for solid-state or partially solid-state batteries. In some examples, the disclosure presents new lithium-stuffed garnet solid electrolytes and rechargeable batteries which include these electrolytes as separators between a cathode and a lithium metal anode.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Inventors: David Cao, Cheng-Chieh Chao, Zhebo Chen, Lei Cheng, Niall Donnelly, Wes Hermann, Tim Holme, Tommy Huang, Kian Kerman, Yang Li, Harsh Maheshwari
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Publication number: 20240063429Abstract: Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (<50 um) free standing membranes of an ionically conducting material for use as a catholyte, electrolyte, and, or, anolyte, in an electrochemical device, a battery component (positive or negative electrode materials), or a complete solid state electrochemical energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Oleh KARPENKO, Niall Donnelly, Timothy Holme, Will Hudson, Sriram Iyer, Dong Hee Anna Choi, Mohit Singh, Adrian Winoto
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Patent number: 11901506Abstract: The instant disclosure sets forth multiphase lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having secondary phase inclusions, wherein these secondary phase inclusions are material(s) which is/are not a cubic phase lithium-stuffed garnet but which is/are entrapped or enclosed within a lithium-stuffed garnet. When the secondary phase inclusions described herein are included in a lithium-stuffed garnet at 30-0.1 volume %, the inclusions stabilize the multiphase matrix and allow for improved sintering of the lithium-stuffed garnet. The electrolytes described herein, which include lithium-stuffed garnet with secondary phase inclusions, have an improved sinterability and density compared to phase pure cubic lithium-stuffed garnet having the formula Li7La3Zr2O12.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Larry Beck, Cheng-Chieh Chao, Lei Cheng, Niall Donnelly, William H. Gardner, Tim Holme, Will Hudson, Sriram Iyer, Oleh Karpenko, Yang Li, Gengfu Xu
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Patent number: 11881596Abstract: Set forth herein are electrochemical cells which include a negative electrode current collector, a lithium metal negative electrode, an oxide electrolyte membrane, a bonding agent layer, a positive electrode, and a positive electrode current collector. The bonding agent layer advantageously lowers the interfacial impedance of the oxide electrolyte at least at the positive electrode interface and also optionally acts as an adhesive between the solid electrolyte separator and the positive electrode interface. Also set forth herein are methods of making these bonding agent layers including, but not limited to, methods of preparing and depositing precursor solutions which form these bonding agent layers. Set forth herein, additionally, are methods of using these electrochemical cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Zhebo Chen, Niall Donnelly, Tim Holme, Deepika Singh
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Patent number: 11876208Abstract: The present invention is directed to battery technologies and processing techniques thereof. In various embodiments, ceramic electrolyte powder material (or component thereof) is mixed with two or more flux to form a fluxed powder material. The fluxed powder material is shaped and heated again at a temperature less than 1100° C. to form a dense lithium conducting material. There are other variations and embodiments as well.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Niall Donnelly, Timothy Holme
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Publication number: 20240006667Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to rechargeable batteries and solid electrolytes therefore which include lithium-stuffed garnet oxides, for example, in a thin film, pellet, or monolith format wherein the density of defects at a surface or surfaces of the solid electrolyte is less than the density of defects in the bulk. In certain disclosed embodiments, the solid-state anolyte, electrolyte, and catholyte thin films, separators, and monoliths consist essentially of an oxide that conducts Li+ ions. In some examples, the disclosure herein presents new and useful solid electrolytes for solid-state or partially solid-state batteries. In some examples, the disclosure presents new lithium-stuffed garnet solid electrolytes and rechargeable batteries which include these electrolytes as separators between a cathode and a lithium metal anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: David CAO, Cheng-Chieh CHAO, Zhebo CHEN, Lei CHENG, Niall DONNELLY, Wes Hermann, Timothy HOLME, Tommy HUANG, Kian KERMAN, Yang LI, Harsh MAHESHWARI
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Publication number: 20230231187Abstract: Set forth herein are pellets, thin films, and monoliths of lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having engineered surfaces. These engineered surfaces have a list of advantageous properties including, but not limited to, low surface area resistance, high Li+ ion conductivity, low tendency for lithium dendrites to form within or thereupon when the electrolytes are used in an electrochemical cell. Other advantages include voltage stability and long cycle life when used in electrochemical cells as a separator or a membrane between the positive and negative electrodes. Also set forth herein are methods of making these electrolytes including, but not limited to, methods of annealing these electrolytes under controlled atmosphere conditions. Set forth herein, additionally, are methods of using these electrolytes in electrochemical cells and devices. The instant disclosure further includes electrochemical cells which incorporate the lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes set forth herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Arnold ALLENIC, Cheng-Chieh CHAO, Lei CHENG, Niall DONNELLY, William H. GARDNER, Timothy HOLME, Sriram IYER, Shuang LI
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Patent number: 11658338Abstract: Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (<50 um) free standing membranes of an ionically conducting material for use as a catholyte, electrolyte, and, or, anolyte, in an electrochemical device, a battery component (positive or negative electrode materials), or a complete solid state electrochemical energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Oleh Karpenko, Niall Donnelly, Tim Holme, Will Hudson, Sriram Iyer, Dong Hee Anna Choi, Mohit Singh, Adrian Winoto
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Patent number: 11600857Abstract: Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (<50 um) free standing membranes of an ionically conducting material for use as a catholyte, electrolyte, and, or, anolyte, in an electrochemical device, a battery component (positive or negative electrode materials), or a complete solid state electrochemical energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Oleh Karpenko, Niall Donnelly, Tim Holme, Will Hudson, Sriram Iyer, Dong Hee Anna Choi, Mohit Singh, Adrian Winoto
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Patent number: 11592237Abstract: Setter plates are fabricated from Li-stuffed garnet materials having the same, or substantially similar, compositions as a garnet Li-stuffed solid electrolyte. The Li-stuffed garnet setter plates, set forth herein, reduce the evaporation of Li during a sintering treatment step and/or reduce the loss of Li caused by diffusion out of the sintering electrolyte. Li-stuffed garnet setter plates, set forth herein, maintain compositional control over the solid electrolyte during sintering when, upon heating, lithium is prone to diffuse out of the solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Sriram Iyer, Tim Holme, Niall Donnelly
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Publication number: 20230050593Abstract: The instant disclosure sets forth multiphase lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having secondary phase inclusions, wherein these secondary phase inclusions are material(s) which is/are not a cubic phase lithium-stuffed garnet but which is/are entrapped or enclosed within a lithium-stuffed garnet. When the secondary phase inclusions described herein are included in a lithium-stuffed garnet at 30-0.1 volume %, the inclusions stabilize the multiphase matrix and allow for improved sintering of the lithium-stuffed garnet. The electrolytes described herein, which include lithium-stuffed garnet with secondary phase inclusions, have an improved sinterability and density compared to phase pure cubic lithium-stuffed garnet having the formula Li7La3Zr2O12.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Larry Beck, Cheng-Chieh CHAO, Lei CHENG, Niall DONNELLY, William H. GARDNER, Tim HOLME, Will HUDSON, Sriram IYER, Oleh KARPENKO, Yang LI, Gengfu XU
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Patent number: 11581576Abstract: Set forth herein are pellets, thin films, and monoliths of lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having engineered surfaces. These engineered surfaces have a list of advantageous properties including, but not limited to, low surface area resistance, high Li+ ion conductivity, low tendency for lithium dendrites to form within or thereupon when the electrolytes are used in an electrochemical cell. Other advantages include voltage stability and long cycle life when used in electrochemical cells as a separator or a membrane between the positive and negative electrodes. Also set forth herein are methods of making these electrolytes including, but not limited to, methods of annealing these electrolytes under controlled atmosphere conditions. Set forth herein, additionally, are methods of using these electrolytes in electrochemical cells and devices. The instant disclosure further includes electrochemical cells which incorporate the lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes set forth herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: QUANTUMSCAPE BATTERY, INC.Inventors: Arnold Allenic, Cheng-Chieh Chao, Lei Cheng, Niall Donnelly, William H. Gardner, Tim Holme, Sriram Iyer, Shuang Li
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Patent number: 11575153Abstract: Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (<50 um) free standing membranes of an ionically conducting material for use as a catholyte, electrolyte, and, or, anolyte, in an electrochemical device, a battery component (positive or negative electrode materials), or a complete solid state electrochemical energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Tim Holme, Niall Donnelly
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Publication number: 20230031378Abstract: Set forth herein are electrochemical cells which include a negative electrode current collector, a lithium metal negative electrode, an oxide electrolyte membrane, a bonding agent layer, a positive electrode, and a positive electrode current collector. The bonding agent layer advantageously lowers the interfacial impedance of the oxide electrolyte at least at the positive electrode interface and also optionally acts as an adhesive between the solid electrolyte separator and the positive electrode interface. Also set forth herein are methods of making these bonding agent layers including, but not limited to, methods of preparing and depositing precursor solutions which form these bonding agent layers. Set forth herein, additionally, are methods of using these electrochemical cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Zhebo CHEN, Niall Donnelly, Tim Holme, Deepika Singh
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Patent number: 11489193Abstract: The instant disclosure sets forth multiphase lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having secondary phase inclusions, wherein these secondary phase inclusions are material(s) which is/are not a cubic phase lithium-stuffed garnet but which is/are entrapped or enclosed within a lithium-stuffed garnet. When the secondary phase inclusions described herein are included in a lithium-stuffed garnet at 30-0.1 volume %, the inclusions stabilize the multiphase matrix and allow for improved sintering of the lithium-stuffed garnet. The electrolytes described herein, which include lithium-stuffed garnet with secondary phase inclusions, have an improved sinterability and density compared to phase pure cubic lithium-stuffed garnet having the formula Li7La3Zr2O12.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Larry Beck, Cheng-Chieh Chao, Lei Cheng, Niall Donnelly, William H Gardner, Tim Holme, Will Hudson, Sriram Iyer, Oleh Karpenko, Yang Li, Gengfu Xu
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Publication number: 20220344704Abstract: Set forth herein are garnet material compositions, e.g., lithium-stuffed garnets and lithium-stuffed garnets doped with alumina, which are suitable for use as electrolytes and catholytes in solid state battery applications. Also set forth herein are lithium-stuffed garnet thin films having fine grains therein. Disclosed herein are novel and inventive methods of making and using lithium-stuffed garnets as catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes for all solid state lithium rechargeable batteries. Also disclosed herein are novel electrochemical devices which incorporate these garnet catholytes, electrolytes and/or anolytes. Also set forth herein are methods for preparing novel structures, including dense thin (<50 um) free standing membranes of an ionically conducting material for use as a catholyte, electrolyte, and, or, anolyte, in an electrochemical device, a battery component (positive or negative electrode materials), or a complete solid state electrochemical energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Oleh KARPENKO, Niall Donnelly, Tim HOLME, Will HUDSON, Sriram IYER, Dong Hee Anna CHOI, Mohit SINGH, Adrian WINOTO
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Publication number: 20220328867Abstract: The instant disclosure sets forth multiphase lithium-stuffed garnet electrolytes having secondary phase inclusions, where-in these secondary phase inclusions are material(s) which is/are not a cubic phase lithium-stuffed garnet but which is/are entrapped or enclosed within a lithium-stuffed garnet. When the secondary phase inclusions described herein are included in a lithium-stuffed garnet at 30-0.1 volume %, the inclusions stabilize the multiphase matrix and allow for improved sintering of the lithium-stuffed garnet. The electrolytes described herein, which include lithium-stuffed garnet with secondary phase inclusions, have an improved sinterability and density compared to phase pure cubic lithium-stuffed garnet having the formula Li7La3Zr2O12.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Larry BECK, Cheng-Chieh CHAO, Lei CHENG, Niall DONNELLY, William H. GARDNER, Tim HOLME, Will HUDSON, Sriram IYER, Oleh KARPENKO, Yang LI, Gengfu XU
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Patent number: 11450926Abstract: Set forth herein are electrochemical cells which include a negative electrode current collector, a lithium metal negative electrode, an oxide electrolyte membrane, a bonding agent layer, a positive electrode, and a positive electrode current collector. The bonding agent layer advantageously lowers the interfacial impedance of the oxide electrolyte at least at the positive electrode interface and also optionally acts as an adhesive between the solid electrolyte separator and the positive electrode interface. Also set forth herein are methods of making these bonding agent layers including, but not limited to, methods of preparing and depositing precursor solutions which form these bonding agent layers. Set forth herein, additionally, are methods of using these electrochemical cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Zhebo Chen, Niall Donnelly, Tim Holme, Deepika Singh
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Publication number: 20220250988Abstract: Set forth herein are processes and materials for making ceramic thin films by casting ceramic source powders and precursor reactants, binders, and functional additives into unsintered thin films and subsequently sintering the thin films under controlled atmospheres and on specific substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Oleh KARPENKO, Gengfu XU, Niall DONNELLY, Sriram IYER, Tim HOLME
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Patent number: 11391514Abstract: Setter plates are fabricated from Li-stuffed garnet materials having the same, or substantially similar, compositions as a garnet Li-stuffed solid electrolyte. The Li-stuffed garnet setter plates, set forth herein, reduce the evaporation of Li during a sintering treatment step and/or reduce the loss of Li caused by diffusion out of the sintering electrolyte. Li-stuffed garnet setter plates, set forth herein, maintain compositional control over the solid electrolyte during sintering when, upon heating, lithium is prone to diffuse out of the solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: QuantumScape Battery, Inc.Inventors: Sriram Iyer, Tim Holme, Niall Donnelly