A Novel Time-Saving Synthesis Approach for Li-Argyrodite Superionic Conductor.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Wet-chemical synthesis of Li-argyrodite superionic conductors for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) offers scalability but faces challenges like byproduct formation and long processing times.
• Commercialization of ASSBs is hindered by the limitations of current synthesis methods for solid electrolytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile, time-saving, and scalable microwave-assisted wet synthesis (MW-process) for Li6PS5Cl (LPSC) superionic conductors.
• To investigate the properties and performance of LPSC synthesized via the MW-process for ASSB applications.

Main Methods:

• A microwave-assisted wet synthesis (MW-process) was employed for LPSC precursor synthesis, completing in 3 hours.
• Characterization of LPSC crystal properties including Li-ion conductivity, electrochemical stability, and cyclability with Li metal and NCM622 cathodes.

Main Results:

• The MW-process enabled fast generation of PS4(3-) and high LiCl solubility, minimizing solvent effects.
• Achieved high Li-ion conductivity (2.79 mS cm-1) and low electronic conductivity (1.85×10-6 mS cm-1).
• Demonstrated excellent stability with Li metal (2000 h) and superior cyclability with NCM622 cathodes (0.12% capacity loss per cycle).

Conclusions:

• The proposed MW-process is a highly efficient and advantageous method for synthesizing LPSC for ASSBs.
• This approach offers significant improvements over conventional methods, addressing key commercialization barriers for sulfide-based solid electrolytes.
• The findings provide crucial insights for the commercial-scale development of advanced all-solid-state batteries.