Synthesis and Characterization of Lithium-Ion Conductive LATP-LaPO(4) Composites Using La(2)O(3) Nano-Powder

LATP-based composite electrolytes were prepared by sintering the mixtures of LATP precursor and La(2)O(3) nano-powder. Powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy suggest that La(2)O(3) can react with LATP during sintering to form fine LaPO(4) particles that are dispersed in the LATP matrix. The room temperature conductivity initially increases with La(2)O(3) nano-powder addition showing the maximum of 0.69 mS∙cm(−1) at 6 wt.%, above which, conductivity decreases with the introduction of La(2)O(3). The activation energy of conductivity is not largely varied with the La(2)O(3) content, suggesting that the conduction mechanism is essentially preserved despite LaPO(4) dispersion. In comparison with the previously reported LATP-LLTO system, although some unidentified impurity slightly reduces the conductivity maximum, the fine dispersion of LaPO(4) particles can be achieved in the LATP–La(2)O(3) system.