Microscopic mechanism of biphasic interface relaxation in lithium iron phosphate after delithiation

Charge/discharge of lithium-ion battery cathode material LiFePO₄ is mediated by the structure and properties of the interface between delithiated and lithiated phases. Direct observations of the interface in a partially delithiated single crystal as a function of time using scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy help clarify these complex phenomena. At the nano-scale, the interface comprises a thin multiphase layer whose composition varies monotonically between those of the two end-member phases. After partial delithiation, the interface does not remain static, but changes gradually in terms of orientation, morphology and position, as Li ions from the crystal bulk diffuse back into the delithiated regions. First-principles calculations of a monoclinic crystal of composition Li_2/3FePO₄ suggest that the interface exhibits higher electronic conductivity than either of the end-member phases. These observations highlight the importance of the interface in enabling LiFePO₄ particles to retain structural integrity during high-rate charging and discharging.