Argyrodite Superionic Conductors Fabricated from Metathesis-Derived Li2S

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is both a high-capacity cathode and the critical component in sulfide-based lithium-ion solid-state electrolytes. Conventionally produced by carbothermal or H2S reduction, its high cost constrains development of the next-generation batteries that employ it. Here, we introduce production of Li2S though room-temperature (RT) metathesis using LiCl and technical grade Na2S center dot xH(2)O that was either dehydrated or further purified through hydrogen reduction. Li6PS5CI argyrodites derived from metathesis Li2S display high ionic conductivity (>4 mS cm(-1) at RT), exceeding that of the commercial Li2S control. Metathesis offers an economical and energy efficient route for the scalable production of this critical material.

Automated summary

This study introduces a method for the production of lithium sulfide through room-temperature metathesis. The synthesized lithium sulfide material exhibits high ionic conductivity and can be used as a critical component in next-generation batteries.