Overcoming the Interfacial Challenges of LiFePO4 in Inorganic All-Solid-State Batteries

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are one of the most promising systems to enable long-lasting and thermally resilient next-generation energy storage. Ideally, these systems should utilize low-cost resources with reduced reliance on critical materials. Pursuing cobalt- and nickel-free chemistries, like LiFePO4 (LFP), is a promising strategy. Morphological features of LFP essential for improved electrochemical performance are highlighted to elucidate the interfacial challenges when implemented in ASSBs, since adoption in inorganic ASSBs has yet to be reported. In this work, the compatibility of LFP with two types of solid-state electrolytes, Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) and Li2ZrCl6 (LZC), are investigated. The potential existence of oxidative decomposition products is probed using a combination of structural, electrochemical, and spectroscopic analyses. Bulk and interfacial characterization reveal that the sulfide-based electrolyte LPSCl decomposes into insulative products, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to quantify the resulting impedance growth. However, through utilization of the chloride-based electrolyte LZC, high-rate and stable electrochemical performance is achieved at room temperature.

Automated summary

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are a promising system for long-lasting and thermally resilient energy storage. This study investigates the compatibility of LiFePO4 (LFP) with two types of solid-state electrolytes, Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) and Li2ZrCl6 (LZC). It is found that LPSCl decomposes into insulative products, while LZC enables high-rate and stable electrochemical performance at room temperature.