Fibrous ceramic fabrics are commercially available products in different technical fields[1]. The fabrication technologies of fibrous ceramic fabrics are mainly categorized into direct spinning process and indirect template process. Here, we employed the template process to create the proof-of-concept lithium ion conductive fibrous ceramic fabrics, which generates unique structure with fine 3D scale distribution of continues lithium ion conductive phase, high surface area/volume ratio, low gravimetric density, multi-level porosity, certain strength and flexibility. The architectural advantages may allow the fibrous ceramic fabrics to be integrated to build components of solid state lithium metal batteries, such as flexible composite polymer electrolyte and rigid electrode skeleton. Because of the simplicity, rapidity and cost saving characteristics of template method, applicable transition from laboratory scale fabrication procedure to industry scale manufacturing is potentially achievable.

The generally sequential procedures of template method to prepare the fibrous ceramic fabric are: (1) Pretreating the replica template; (2) Impregnating the replica template with the precursor solution; (3) Converting the precursors into nano-sized ceramic oxide, pyrolysis of the replica template and sintering of the relic structure. Figure 1 presents the photo image of the fibrous ceramic fabrics composed of lithium ion conductive garnet phase. Different from the structure of conventional sintering of powder compact, the ceramic fabric retained the characteristic features of replica template, exhibiting complex geometric structure of woven pattern of continuous interlocked fibers and interlaced yarns. The fibrous garnet textile shows pronounced new characteristic features to tolerate certain flexural strength, geometrical tailoring and organic solvent erosion, which are distinct from the rigid appearance of typical sintered ceramic body. The chemical analysis confirmed cubic phase of the fibrous garnet fabric and homogenous distribution of the constituent elements.

Figure 1. Photo image of the fibrous ceramic fabric composed of lithium ion conductive garnet phase, which essentially retained the structural characteristics of the replica template.