Defects, dopants and lithium incorporation in LiPON electrolyte

Lithium phosphorus oxy-nitride (LiPON) is a candidate solid electrolyte material for potential use in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The use of density functional theory simulations has allowed us to gain atomic-scale insight into the defect properties, solution of dopants and incorporation of lithium in LiPON. The Li2O Schottky is the most favourable disorder process in this material ensuring the formation of Li and O vacancies which are in turn required for vacancy mediated self-diffusion. The Na, As and S are the promising isovalent dopants that can be substituted on the Li, P and O sites respectively. The doping of Mg on the Li site leads to the formation of Li vacancies in LiPON. The promising dopant on the P site to create Li interstitials and oxygen vacancies is the Ge. The stability of the crystal structure upon Li incorporation (up to four Li) was considered. The incorporation confirmed the formation of Li+ ions and expanded the volume of the lattice. Incorporation of multiple Li atoms is more favourable than a single Li incorporation. The band gap of this material decreases upon of Li incorporation without changing its insulating character.

Automated summary

LiPON is a candidate solid electrolyte material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, with density functional theory simulations providing insight into defect properties, dopant solutions, and lithium incorporation. The Schottky defect is the most favorable disorder process in this material, facilitating the formation of Li and O vacancies necessary for vacancy-mediated self-diffusion.