Operando Characterization and Theoretical Modeling of Metal|Electrolyte Interphase Growth Kinetics in Solid-State...

Understanding the interfacial dynamics of batteries is crucial to control degradation and increase electrochemical performance and cycling life. If the chemical potential of a negative electrode material lies outside of the stability window of an electrolyte (either solid or liquid), a decomposition layer (interphase) will form at the interface. To better understand and control degradation at interfaces in batteries, theoretical models describing the rate of formation of these interphases are required. This study focuses on the growth kinetics of the interphase forming between solid electrolytes and metallic negative electrodes in solid-state batteries. More specifically, we demonstrate that the rate of interphase formation and metal plating during charge can be accurately described by adapting the theory of coupled ion-electron transfer (CIET). The model is validated by fitting experimental data presented in the first part of this study. The data was collected operando as a Na metal layer was plated on top of a NaSICON solid electrolyte (Na_3.4Zr₂Si_2.4P_0.6O₁₂ or NZSP) inside an XPS chamber. This study highlights the depth of information which can be extracted from this single operando experiment and is widely applicable to other solid-state electrolyte systems.