Revealing the role of the cathode–electrolyte interface on solid-state batteries

• Published in: Nature materials Vol. 20; no. 10; pp. 1392 - 1400
• Main Authors: Zahiri, Beniamin, Patra, Arghya, Kiggins, Chadd, Yong, Adrian Xiao Bin, Ertekin, Elif, Cook, John B., Braun, Paul V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.10.2021; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 639/301/299/161/891; 639/301/299/891; Biomaterials; Cathodes; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Crystallography; Flux density; Interface stability; Interfaces; Lithium; Materials Science; Molten salt electrolytes; Morphology; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Solid electrolytes; Solid state; Thin films
• ISSN: 1476-1122; 1476-4660
• DOI: 10.1038/s41563-021-01016-0

Interfaces have crucial, but still poorly understood, roles in the performance of secondary solid-state batteries. Here, using crystallographically oriented and highly faceted thick cathodes, we directly assess the impact of cathode crystallography and morphology on the long-term performance of solid-state batteries. The controlled interface crystallography, area and microstructure of these cathodes enables an understanding of interface instabilities unknown (hidden) in conventional thin-film and composite solid-state electrodes. A generic and direct correlation between cell performance and interface stability is revealed for a variety of both lithium- and sodium-based cathodes and solid electrolytes. Our findings highlight that minimizing interfacial area, rather than its expansion as is the case in conventional composite cathodes, is key to both understanding the nature of interface instabilities and improving cell performance. Our findings also point to the use of dense and thick cathodes as a way of increasing the energy density and stability of solid-state batteries. Interfaces play crucial, but still poorly understood, roles in the performance of secondary solid-state batteries. Using crystallographically oriented and highly faceted thick cathodes, the impact of cathode crystallography and morphology on long-term performance is investigated.