2017 American Chemical Society. Al-doped Li 7-x La 3 Zr 2 O 12 is found to be more ionically conductive following voltammetric treatment in an all-solid-state Li|Li 7-x La 3 Zr 2 O 12 |Li cell configuration. This result is consistent with electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements, which reveal that the activation energy for lithium diffusion is reduced from 0.32 to 0.26 eV following voltammetric treatment. The Li deposition-dissolution signal has been observed in the voltammograms, and neutron powder diffraction shows an increase in the lithium content of the Li 7-x La 3 Zr 2 O 12. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates a local rearrangement of O, resulting in a reduction of defects following voltammetric treatment, with the enhanced conductivity attributable to both the reduction of defect oxygen and increased lithium content. This work, therefore, reveals such voltammetric treatment as a simple and inexpensive alternative to existing doping approaches to boost the electrochemical performance of Li 7-x La 3 Zr 2 O 12. The findings can improve the future development of all-solid-state Li-ion batteries. On the other hand, our approach to understanding the conductivity enhancement via voltammetric treatment may provide a better alteration in the ionic conduction of solid electrolytes during solid-state battery operation. (Graph Presented).

One approach to increase the energy density of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) is to use high-voltage cathode materials. The spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode is one such example, as it offers a high reaction potential (close to 5 V). Moreover, it is a Co-free cathode system, which makes it an environmentally friendly and a low-cost alternative. However, several challenges must be addressed before it can be properly adopted in ASSB technologies. Herein, we reveal that lithium argyrodite (Li6PS5Cl), a sulfide solid-state electrolyte (SSE), possesses intrinsic chemical incompatibility with the LNMO cathode. We demonstrate the necessity of using a halide SSE, Li3YCl6 (LYC), through careful analysis of the LNMO/SSE interface. Moreover, we emphasize the necessity of applying a protective coating layer to LNMO particles, even when halide SSEs are used. Furthermore, the chemical phenomena involving LYC in the oxidative environment of LNMO are analyzed, including a comparison between coated and uncoated LNMO particles.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are one of the most promising systems to enable long-lasting and thermally resilient next-generation energy storage. Ideally, these systems should utilize low-cost resources with reduced reliance on critical materials. Pursuing cobalt-and nickel-free chemistries, like LiFePO 4 (LFP), is a promising strategy. Morphological features of LFP essential for improved electrochemical performance are highlighted to elucidate the interfacial challenges when implemented in ASSBs, since adoption in inorganic ASSBs has yet to be reported. In this work, the compatibility of LFP with two types of solid-state electrolytes, Li 6 PS 5 Cl (LPSCl) and Li 2 ZrCl 6 (LZC), are investigated. The potential existence of oxidative decomposition products is probed using a combination of structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analyses. Bulk and interfacial characterization reveal that the sulfidebased electrolyte LPSCl decomposes into insulative products, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to quantify the resulting impedance growth. However, through utilization of the chloride-based electrolyte LZC, high-rate and stable electrochemical performance is achieved at room temperature.

All-solid-state batteries have recently gained considerable attention due to their potential improvements in safety, energy density, and cycle-life compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. Sodium all-solid-state batteries also offer the potential to eliminate costly materials containing lithium, nickel, and cobalt, making them ideal for emerging grid energy storage applications. However, significant work is required to understand the persisting limitations and long-term cyclability of Na all-solid-state-based batteries. In this work, we demonstrate the importance of careful solid electrolyte selection for use against an alloy anode in Na all-solid-state batteries. Three emerging solid electrolyte material classes were chosen for this study: the chloride Na2.25Y0.25Zr0.75Cl6, sulfide Na3PS4, and borohydride Na2(B10H10)0.5(B12H12)0.5. Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) imaging, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized to characterize the evolution of the anode–electrolyte interface upon electrochemical cycling. The obtained results revealed that the interface stability is determined by both the intrinsic electrochemical stability of the solid electrolyte and the passivating properties of the formed interfacial products. With appropriate material selection for stability at the respective anode and cathode interfaces, stable cycling performance can be achieved for Na all-solid-state batteries.