Fluorinated Li10GeP2S12 Enables Stable All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

The instability of Li10GeP2S12 toward moisture and that toward lithium metal are two challenges for the application in all-solid-state lithium batteries. In this work, Li10GeP2S12 is fluorinated to form a LiF-coated core-shell solid electrolyte LiF@Li10GeP2S12. Density-functional theory calculations confirm the hydrolysis mechanism of Li10GeP2S12 solid electrolyte, including H2O adsorption on Li atoms of Li10GeP2S12 and the subsequent PS43- dissociation affected by hydrogen bond. The hydrophobic LiF shell can reduce the adsorption site, thus resulting in superior moisture stability when exposing in 30% relative humidity air. Moreover, with LiF shell, Li10GeP2S12 shows one order lower electronic conductivity, which can significantly suppress lithium dendrite growth and reduce the side reaction between Li10GeP2S12 and lithium, realizing three times higher critical current density to 3 mA cm(-2). The assembled LiNbO3@LiCoO2/LiF@Li10GeP2S12/Li battery exhibits an initial discharge capacity of 101.0 mAh g(-1) with a capacity retention of 94.8% after 1000 cycles at 1 C.

Automated summary

In this study, Li10GeP2S12 is fluorinated to form a LiF-coated solid electrolyte LiF@Li10GeP2S12, which shows superior moisture stability and lower electronic conductivity. The LiF shell can reduce H2O adsorption and PS43- dissociation in Li10GeP2S12, resulting in improved moisture resistance. Additionally, the LiF shell can suppress lithium dendrite growth and reduce side reactions, leading to higher critical current density and better battery performance.