Inorganic Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries: Fundamentals and Strategies for Battery Optimization

Recent realization of high sodium-ion conductivities (>10(-2) S cm(-1)) in inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) at room temperature will certainly trigger a boom in all-solid-state sodium batteries (ASS-SBs). However, their electrochemical stable windows and compatibility to high capacity/voltage electrodes are unsatisfactory. Developing ideal ISEs that deliver high Na+ ion conductivities, good electrochemical/chemical stability, and compatible electrode/ISE interface is key for the success of high-performance ASS-SBs. In this review, focus is mainly on the fundamentals and strategies to optimize ASS-SB performances from the aspects of ISE and interface, and note that interfacial issues are also ISE-related. The latest progress in ISEs, including fundamentals of the sodium-ion conduction mechanism, key parameters dominating the Na+ ion conduction in terms of crystal structure, lattice dynamics, point defects, and grain boundaries, and prototyping strategies for cell design, are elaborated from the perspectives of material and defect chemistry. The key challenges and future opportunities are discussed, and rational solutions are provided.

Automated summary

The recent realization of high sodium-ion conductivities in inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) has the potential to revolutionize all-solid-state sodium batteries (ASS-SBs). However, challenges remain in achieving satisfactory electrochemical stability and compatibility with high capacity/voltage electrodes. Developing ideal ISEs with high Na+ ion conductivities, stability, and compatible electrode/ISE interfaces is crucial for the success of high-performance ASS-SBs. This review focuses on the fundamentals and strategies to optimize ASS-SB performances, emphasizing the importance of interfacial issues and the latest progress in ISEs.