Densification of LiTi2(PO4)3-based solid electrolytes by spark-plasma-sintering

Spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) has been employed in an attempt to prepare dense LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP) ceramics consisting of powders obtained hydrothermally. Pellet densities are relatively high, typically 81% of the theoretical X-ray density, compared with those (53%) of conventionally sintered ones. Conductivity of the SPS pellets was improved from ca. 10−8 to 10−6 S cm−1 at 50°C by SPS process, mainly due to the increase in the pellet density. Also the SPS technique was effective in producing a LTP/LiCoO2 stacked pellet with clear interface, which may open the possibility of manufacturing all-solid-state lithium batteries.