ABSTRACT
Hybrid solid electrolytes (HSEs) aim to combine the superior ionic conductivity of inorganic fillers with the scalable process of polymer electrolytes in a unique material for solid-state batteries. Pursuing the goal of optimizing the key metrics (σion ≥ 10-4 S·cm-1 at 25 °C and self-standing property), we successfully developed an HSE based on a modified poly(ethylene oxide):LiTFSI organic matrix, which binds together a high loading (75 wt %) of Li6PS5Cl particles, following a solvent-free route. A rational study of available formulation parameters has enabled us to understand the role of each component in conductivity, mixing, and mechanical cohesion. Especially, the type of activation mechanism (Arrhenius or Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann (VFT)) and its associated energy are proposed as a new metric to unravel the ionic pathway inside the HSE. We showed that a polymer-in-ceramic approach is mandatory to obtain enhanced conduction through the HSE ceramic network, as well as superior mechanical properties, revealed by the tensile test. Probing the compatibility of phases, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) alongside 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), reveals the formation of an interphase, the quantity and resistivity of which grow with time and temperature. Finally, electrochemical performances are evaluated by assembling an HSE-based battery, which displays comparable stability as pure ceramic ones but still suffers from higher polarization and thus lower capacity. Altogether, we hope these findings provide valuable knowledge to develop a successful HSE, by placing the optimization of the right metrics at the core of the formulation.
ABSTRACT
Li-ion batteries are the key stones of electric vehicles, but with the emergence of solid-state Li batteries for improving autonomy and fast charging, the need for mastering the solid electrolyte (SE)/electrode material interfaces is crucial. All-solid-state-batteries (ASSBs) suffer from long-term capacity fading with enhanced decomposition reactions. So far, these reactions have not been extensively studied in Li6PS5Cl-based systems because of the complexity of overlapping degradation mechanisms. Herein, those reactions are studied in depth. We investigated their effects under various operating conditions (temperature, C-rate, voltage window), types of active materials, and with or without carbon additives. From combined resistance monitoring and impedance spectroscopy measurements, we could decouple two reactions (NMC/SE and VGCF/SE) with an inflection dependent on the cutoff potential (3.6 or 3.9 V vs Li-In/In are studied) on charge and elucidate their distinct repercussions on cycling performances. The pernicious effect of carbon additives on both the first cycle and power performances is disclosed, so as its long-term effect on capacity retention. As a mean to resolve these issues, we scrutinized the benefits of a coating layer around NMC particles to prevent high potential interactions, minimize the drastic loss of capacity observed with bare NMC, and simply propose to get rid of carbon additives. Altogether, we hope these findings provide insights and novel methodologies for designing innovative performing solid-state batteries.