Effect of Propagating Dopant Reactivity on Lattice Oxygen Loss in LLZO Solid Electrolyte Contacted with Lithium Metal

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) is widely known as the most stable solid electrolyte against lithium metal electrodes. This thermodynamic stability can be lost by the presence of dopants which are required to stabilize the cubic phase of LLZO and can be reduced by lithium metal. However, the role of oxygen in such reactions is taken for granted. In this work, the reduction of Nb‐substituted LLZO (Nb‐LLZO) is explored by Li metal and shows that interfacial reactions propagate and lead to the decomposition with substantial Nb 5+ reduction deep into the bulk electrolyte. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses show much of the reduction is due to oxygen vacancies formed, leading to increased electronic conductivity mapped with conductive Atomic Force Microscopy. Density functional theory calculations indicate oxygen release is favored by increased excess lithiation of Nb‐LLZO. Electrochemical impedance of polycrystalline Nb‐LLZO shows the continuous evolution of ionically resistive interphases near the lithium metal interface with Nb‐LLZO while single crystals show little reactivity at room temperature and self‐limiting reduction at 60°C. This work underlines the role of grain boundaries in propagating destructive solid electrolyte reactions and highlights previously unseen mechanisms involving lattice oxygen in LLZO.

Source: Advanced Energy Materials

DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202406020

Authors: Michael J. Counihan, Zachary D. Hood, Hong Zheng, Till Fuchs, Leonardo Merola, Matilde Pavan, Sebastian L. Benz, Tianyi Li, Artem Baskin, Junsoo Park, Joakim Halldin Stenlid, Xinglong Chen, Daniel P. Phelan, John W. Lawson, Justin G. Connell, Jürgen Janek, Felix H. Richter, Sanja Tepavcevic

Institutions: Argonne National Laboratory, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Ames Research Center

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Office of Science, Ames Research Center, Division of Materials Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Laboratory Directed Research and Development, Argonne National Laboratory

OpenAlex ID: W4409810309