High-Entropy Lithium Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes Enabling Stable All-Solid-State Batteries

Abstract

Superionic solid electrolytes (SEs) are essential for bulk-type solid-state battery (SSB) applications. Multicomponent SEs are recently attracting attention for their favorable charge-transport properties, however a thorough understanding of how configurational entropy (ΔS_conf ) affects ionic conductivity is lacking. Here, we successfully synthesized a series of halogen-rich lithium argyrodites with the general formula Li_5.5 PS_4.5 Cl_x Br_1.5-x (0≤x≤1.5). Using neutron powder diffraction and ³¹ P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the S^2- /Cl^- /Br^- occupancy on the anion sublattice was quantitatively analyzed. We show that disorder positively affects Li-ion dynamics, leading to a room-temperature ionic conductivity of 22.7 mS cm^-1 (9.6 mS cm^-1 in cold-pressed state) for Li_5.5 PS_4.5 Cl_0.8 Br_0.7 (ΔS_conf =1.98R). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental evidence that configurational entropy of the anion sublattice correlates with ion mobility. Our results indicate the possibility of improving ionic conductivity in ceramic ion conductors by tailoring the degree of compositional complexity. Moreover, the Li_5.5 PS_4.5 Cl_0.8 Br_0.7 SE allowed for stable cycling of single-crystal LiNi_0.9 Co_0.06 Mn_0.04 O₂ (s-NCM90) composite cathodes in SSB cells, emphasizing that dual-substituted lithium argyrodites hold great promise in enabling high-performance electrochemical energy storage.

Keywords: Argyrodite; High-Entropy Materials; Solid Electrolyte; Solid-State Batteries.