Low-temperature growth of idiomorphic cubic-phase Li sub(7)La sub(3)Zr sub(2)O sub(12) crystals using LiOH flux

Micrometer-sized Li sub(7)La sub(3)Zr sub(2)O sub(12) crystals with well-developed facets were grown from a LiOH flux at 700 degree C. Supersaturation-controlled crystallization driven by the cooling of a homogeneous hot solution with a Li/Zr ratio of 70 achieved one-step formation of cubic-phase Li sub(7)La sub(3)Zr sub(2)O sub(12) that potentially exhibits high lithium-ion conductivity. Excess LiOH flux decreased the reaction temperature dramatically to 700 degree C, lower than that of solid-state-reaction processes. The flux growth of the Li sub(7)La sub(3)Zr sub(2)O sub(12) crystals in response to varying reaction conditions was studied systematically and indicated that the initial Li/Zr ratio and the holding temperature significantly affected the crystal phase, shape, and size. We further demonstrated Li sub(7)La sub(3)Zr sub(2)O sub(12) crystal growth at 500 degree C, beginning with La sub(2)Zr sub(2)O sub(7) powders that dissolve readily in hot LiOH. This will be examined in greater depth in the near future.