Lithium conducting solid electrolyte Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 obtained via solution chemistry

NaSICON-type lithium conductor Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)(3) (LATP) is synthesized with controlled grain size and composition using solution chemistry. After thermal treatment at 850 degrees C, sub-micronic crystallized powders with high purity are obtained. They are converted into ceramic through Spark Plasma Sintering at 850-1000 degrees C. By varying the processing parameters, pellet with conductivities up to 1.6 x 10(-4) S/cm with density of 97% of the theoretical density have been obtained. XRD, FEG-SEM, ac-impedance and Vickers indentation were used to characterize the products. The influence of sintering parameters on pellet composition, microstructure and conductivity is discussed in addition to the analysis of the mechanical behavior of the grains interfaces. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.