In terms of application fields, which new energy vehicle parts can zirconia be used for?
The applications of zirconia in the manufacturing of new energy vehicle components are very extensive, mainly including the following aspects:
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Battery system
Solid electrolyte: Garnet-type solid electrolyte Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) is a promising type of solid electrolyte material, and zirconia is one of its key raw materials. In oxide semi-solid batteries, a ceramic separator composed of materials such as LLZO needs to be constructed, which further increases the usage of zirconia in solid-state batteries.
Cathode material additive: Zirconia has high thermal conductivity and chemical stability. Added to the cathode material of lithium-ion batteries, it helps improve the structural stability, electrochemical performance and durability of the cathode material, reduces the dissolution of the cathode material components due to repeated charging and discharging, and improves the safety and service life of the battery. - Sensors: Sensors made of zirconia ceramics have heat resistance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and potential excellent electromagnetic and optical functions. They can adapt to the harsh environment unique to automobiles for a long time, and also have the characteristics of small size, light weight, good reusability, and wide output range. They can be used to detect various physical and chemical quantities in new energy vehicles. For example, oxygen sensors can be used to monitor the oxygen content in exhaust gas to achieve precise control of the battery system.
- Brake system: Zirconia ceramic brakes are made on the basis of carbon fiber brakes. Through multiple processes such as pressing, heating, carbonization, and cooling, the hardness of the carbon-silicon compound surface is close to that of diamonds, and the impact resistance and corrosion resistance are outstanding. It can effectively improve braking performance and reliability and meet the high requirements of new energy vehicles for the braking system.
- Thermal management system: Due to the high melting point, good thermal stability and low thermal expansion coefficient of zirconia, it can be used to manufacture some components in the thermal management system, such as insulation components, which can effectively block heat transfer, improve the efficiency of the thermal management system, and ensure that key components such as batteries and motors work within the appropriate temperature range.
- Other components: Zirconia ceramics can also be used to manufacture some structural components of new energy vehicles, such as insulation components near the engine, some components in intelligent material systems or structures, etc., which helps reduce the engine's own weight, reduce the engine size, reduce heat dissipation losses, and can also utilize its intelligent characteristics to achieve some special functions and improve the overall performance of the vehicle.