Lithium-based compound nanoparticle compositions and methods of forming the same
Lithium-based compound small particle compositions, as well as methods and structures associated with the same, are provided. The particle compositions, in some cases, are characterized by having an nano-size particles. The particle compositions may be produced in a milling process. In some embodiments, the particles may be coated with a coating that may enhance certain properties of the particle composition (e.g., electrical conductivity).
1. A method for producing coated particle compositions, comprising:
providing a feed material comprising negatively charged lithium-based compound feed particles and a positively charged coating material precursor, and a fluid carrier; and
milling the feed material with the fluid carrier to reduce the feed particle size and to coat the feed particles with the coating material to form a composition including coated lithium-based compound milled particles having an average particle size of less than 250 nm.
2. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising milling the feed particles and the coating material precursor, prior to milling the feed material.
3. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the coated lithium-based compound milled particles have an average particle size is less than 100 nm.
4. A method as in claim 1 , wherein coating material precursor comprises particles.
5. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the milled particles comprise a lithium phosphate-based compound.
6. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the milled particles comprise a lithium oxide-based compound.
7. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the milled particles comprise a lithium titanate-based compound.
8. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises carbon.
9. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the fluid carrier comprises water or N-methyl pyrrolidinone.
10. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the feed material further comprises an acid.
11. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the feed material further comprises a surfactant.
12. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising milling the feed material in a media mill using grinding media.
13. A method as in claim 12 , wherein the grinding media have a density of greater than 8 gm/cc.
14. A method as in claim 12 , wherein the grinding media have a size between about 75 microns and 150 microns.
15. A method as in claim 1 , wherein the feed particles and the coating material precursor interact via an electrostatic interaction.