Fabrication of li-ion conducting sulfide glass constructs for drawing thin glass separators

A method of molding a Li ion conductive sulfide glass construct into a flat preform shape, the method comprising:

• i) providing a Li ion conductive sulfide glass blank;
• ii) providing a mold having a first molding surface;
• iii) providing a protective material liner having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein the second surface of the liner is substantially chemically inert in direct contact with the glass blank when heated;
• iv) positioning the protective material liner to cover the first molding surface, with the first surface of the protective liner adjacently opposing the first molding surface;
• v) placing the glass blank in direct contact with the second surface of the protective material liner and positioning the glass blank such that it does not contact the first molding surface during heating and pressing;
• vi) heating the glass blank while it is in contact with the protective material liner;
• and
• vii) pressing the glass blank indirectly against the first molding surface via the protective material liner.