Polymer–Ceramic Composite Cathode with Enhanced Storage Capacity Manufactured by Field-Assisted Sintering and Infiltration

Polymer–ceramic all-solid-state Li batteries (ASSLBs) combine the advantages of fully inorganic and polymer-based ASSLBs. In particular, the application of proposed polymer–ceramic composite cathodes could be essential for the enhancement of the energy storage capacity of ASSLBs. The use of a modified field-assisted sintering technique with adjustable pressure and with alternative mica foil enables the fabrication of porous cathodes at a reduced sintering temperature and without side phase formation. This allows sintering of a porous LiCoO2/Li7La3Zr2O12:Ta composite network suitable for polymer infiltration and assembly in an ASSLB from the cathode side. The ceramic LiCoO2/Li7La3Zr2O12:Ta composite cathodes infiltrated with an ion-conducting polymer have shown an enhanced areal storage capacity.