Li-Sb Alloy Formation Strategy to Improve Interfacial Stability of All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Solid-State Batteries

Background:

• Solid electrolytes aim to prevent lithium dendrite growth in batteries.
• Interface reactions and lithium metal deposition remain challenges for solid-state batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an alloy formation strategy for improved interface stability in solid-state batteries.
• To enhance the performance of lithium argyrodite solid electrolytes (LPSC-P) by incorporating antimony (Sb).

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of antimony (Sb) into Li6PS5Cl (LPSC-P) to form a Li-Sb alloy.
• Characterization of the Li-Sb alloy formation using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
• Evaluation of electrochemical performance, including critical current density and cycling stability.

Main Results:

• The formation of a Li-Sb alloy at the anodic interface was confirmed.
• The Li-Sb alloy facilitated uniform lithium deposition and maintained interfacial contact during plating/stripping.
• Achieved the highest critical current density of 14.5 mA cm⁻² among reported sulfide solid electrolytes without dendrite penetration.
• Demonstrated excellent long-term stability.

Conclusions:

• Alloy formation strategy using antimony is effective for enhancing interface stability in solid-state batteries.
• The Li-Sb alloy promotes uniform lithium deposition and prevents dendrite formation.
• This approach shows significant promise for developing advanced solid-state batteries with improved safety and performance.