SOLID ELECTROLYTE MATERIAL AND SOLID-STATE BATTERY MADE THEREWITH

Abstract

A solid electrolyte material comprising Li, T, X and A wherein T is at least one of P, As, Si, Ge, Al, and B; X is BH.sub.4; A is S, Se, or N. The solid electrolyte material may include glass ceramic and/or mixed crystalline phases, and exhibits high ionic conductivity and compatibility with high voltage cathodes and lithium metal anodes.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A solid electrolyte material comprising: Li, T, X and A, wherein T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of P, As, Si, Ge, Al, and B; X is one or more halogens or BH.sub.4, BF.sub.4, NH.sub.2, or NO.sub.3, or a combination thereof; A is one or more of S, Se, and N; and wherein the solid electrolyte material has peaks at 2?=14.6??0.25?, 15.3??0.25?, and 25.1??0.25? in an X-ray diffraction measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ?.

19. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, wherein a ratio of intensities of the peak at 2?=15.3??0.25? to the peak at 14.6??0.25? is 25:1 or less.

20. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a formula LPS.Math.zLiX, wherein LPS denotes a mixture of Li.sub.2S and P.sub.2S.sub.5 having a molar ratio ranging from 1:1 to 4:1; LiX represents LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, or LiNO.sub.3; and 0.25?z?4.

21. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a formula LPS.Math.zLiX, wherein LPS denotes a mixture of Li.sub.2S and B.sub.2S.sub.3 having a molar ratio ranging from 1:1 to 3:1; LiX represents LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, or LiNO.sub.3; and 0.25?z?4.

22. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a formula LPSX.Math.zLiX, wherein LPSX denotes a mixture of Li.sub.2S, P.sub.2S.sub.5, and LiX having a molar ratio ranging from 1:1:1 to 4:1:4; LiX represents LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, or LiNO.sub.3; and 0.25?z?4.

23. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a formula LPSX.Math.zLiX, wherein LPSX denotes a mixture of Li.sub.2S, B.sub.2S.sub.3, and LiX having a molar ratio ranging from 1:1:1 and 3:1:4; LiX represents LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, or LiNO.sub.3; and 0.25?z?4.

24. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a crystalline domain size of 100 nm or less.

25. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising one or more structural units comprising at least one of P.sub.2S.sub.6.sup.4- or PS.sub.4.sup.3-.

26. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a crystalline fraction having a nominal composition of Li.sub.5PS.sub.4X.sub.2 and a glassy fraction.

27. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a formula Li.sup.+.sub.(12-n-y)T.sup.n+A.sup.2-.sub.(6-y)X.sup.?.sub.(y) wherein T comprises P, A comprises S, X comprises BH.sub.4, and y>1.

28. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a mixture of a crystalline phase having peaks at 2?=14.6??0.25?, 15.3??0.25?, and 25.1??0.25? in an X-ray diffraction measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? and of one or more of LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, LiNO.sub.3, LiSCN, LiOCN.

29. The solid electrolyte material of claim 18, comprising a crystalline Argyrodite-type phase comprising 50% or more by mol of total phases present.

30. An electrochemical cell comprising: (a) a positive electrode layer containing a positive electrode active material; (b) a negative electrode layer containing a negative electrode active material; and (c) a solid electrolyte containing layer disposed between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, wherein at least one of the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, and the solid electrolyte containing layer comprises at least one solid electrolyte material comprising: Li, T, X and A, wherein T comprises P, As, Si, Ge, Al, and B; X comprises one or more halogens, BH.sub.4, BF.sub.4, NH.sub.2, or NO.sub.3 or combination thereof; A comprises one or more of S, Se, and N; and the at least one solid electrolyte material has peaks at 2?=14.6??0.25?, 15.3??0.25?, and 25.1??0.25? in an X-ray diffraction measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ?.

31. The electrochemical cell of claim 30, where in the negative electrode active material comprises one or more of lithium metal, lithium alloys, Si, Sn, graphitic carbon, hard carbon, or combination thereof.

32. A method for producing a solid electrolyte material comprising combining a composition comprising Li, T, and A wherein T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of P, As, Si, Ge, Al, and B; and A comprises one or more of S, Se, and N with a compound LiX to form a solid electrolyte material; wherein the formed solid electrolyte material has peaks at 2?=14.6??0.25?, 15.3??0.25?, and 25.1??0.25? in an X-ray diffraction measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ?.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the combining comprises mixing, milling, or grinding until at least one of the precursor materials are substantially amorphized or alloyed.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the composition comprises a Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 component in a glass forming ratio.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the glass forming ratio of the Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 component ranges from 1:1 by mol to 1:4 by mol.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 component comprises one or more of a glassy phase or a crystalline phase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure may be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings briefly described below. It is noted that, for purposes of illustrative clarity, certain elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary construction of a lithium solid-state electrochemical cell including a solid electrode composition, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for producing a solid electrolyte composition, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3a shows the results of x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 3a shows results related to varying synthesis conditions, FIG. 3b shows results from varying the stoichiometry according to the examples compositions Li.sub.3PS.sub.4.Math.zLiBH.sub.4, and FIG. 3c shows results related to using different LPS stoichiometries as a basis for the present composition. X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out with a Bruker D8 Advance using a copper x-ray source and Lynxeye detector. Samples were sealed in home-built sample holder with a beryllium window. Measurements were taken over 5-40 degrees 2-theta with a step size of 0.02 degrees.

[0030] FIG. 4a shows the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4a shows results related to varying the synthesis conditions, and FIG. 4b shows results relating to varying the stoichiometry according to the examples compositions Li.sub.3PS.sub.4.Math.zLiBH.sub.4. FTIR measurements were carried out with a Thermo Fisher Nicolet iS5 in ATR mode. Accumulations of 64 scans were collected for each spectrum with data spacing of 0.24 cm.sup.?1.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows the results of Raman spectroscopy analysis of several embodiments of the present disclosure. Raman spectra were collected using a Jasco NRS-3100 spectrophotometer. Excitation source was 532 nm wavelength focused through a 5? microscope objective using 10 mW power and OD1 optical attenuator. Diffraction grating of 2400 l/mm yields approximate resolution of 2.5 cm.sup.?1. Spectra are collected using 15 accumulations of 10 second exposures.

[0032] FIG. 6a shows the results of room temperature ionic conductivity measurements of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6a shows results related to varying synthesis conditions, FIG. 6b shows results from varying the stoichiometry according to the examples compositions Li.sub.3PS.sub.4.Math.zLiBH.sub.4, and FIG. 6c shows results related to using different LPS stoichiometries as a basis for the present composition. Ionic conductivity was measured as follows: approximately 0.250 g of powder was loaded into a pellet die with 16 mm diameter, and the powder was compacted to 300 MPa for 2 minutes using a benchtop hydraulic press. Compaction pressure was released and a measurement pressure of 8 MPa was applied. The cell was connected to a Biologic SP300 electrochemical workstation and complex impedance was measured over 7 MHz-1 Hz using 100 mV excitation. The resulting spectra was fit and used to calculate ionic conductivity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In the following description, specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the disclosure. Upon having read and understood the specification, claims and drawings hereof, however, those skilled in the art will understand that some embodiments may be practiced without hewing to some of the specific details set forth herein. Moreover, to avoid obscuring the disclosure, some well-known methods, processes, devices, and systems finding application in the various embodiments described herein are not disclosed in detail.

Definitions

[0034] In this document the acronym LPS is used to represent an electrolyte phase comprised of Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 in a defined ratio. When not defined, a ratio of 3Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 may be assumed, which is known to yield the electrolyte phase Li.sub.3PS.sub.4. The term semi-crystalline may mean partially crystalline, having crystalline domains with sizes small enough to cause peak broadening in x-ray diffraction, having both glassy and crystalline character, containing crystalline and glassy phases, which may have different compositions, or any combination. The term crystalline phase may be understood to mean a material comprising fully crystalline or semi-crystalline atomic order. Mechanochemical synthesis may represent a synthesis technique, which uses the mixing or grinding energy of media against precursor materials to cause mixing and/or reaction of such materials. Argyrodite-like and Argyrodite-type may be used interchangeably to represent a material, which conforms to the chemical relationship defined in U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,865, which describes lithium argyrodites: Li.sup.+.sub.(12-n-y)T.sup.n+A.sup.2-.sub.(6-y)X.sup.?.sub.(y).

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary construction of a lithium solid-state electrochemical cell including an electrode composition of the present disclosure. Lithium solid-state battery 100 includes positive electrode (current collector) 110, positive electrode active material layer (cathode) 120, solid electrolyte layer 130, negative electrode active material layer (anode) 140, and negative electrode (current collector) 150. Solid electrolyte layer 130 may be formed between positive electrode active material layer 120 and negative electrode active material layer 140. Positive electrode 110 electrically contacts positive electrode active material layer 120, and negative electrode 150 electrically contacts negative electrode active material layer 140. The solid electrolyte compositions described herein may form portions of positive electrode active material layer 120, negative electrode active material layer 140 and solid electrolyte layer 130.

[0036] Positive electrode 110 may be formed from materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, nickel, titanium, stainless steel, or carbon. Similarly, negative electrode 150 may be formed from copper, nickel, stainless steel, or carbon. Negative electrode 150 may be omitted entirely if negative electrode active material 140 possesses adequate electronic conductivity and mechanical strength. Positive electrode active material layer 120 may include, at least, a positive electrode active material including, but not limited to, metal oxides, metal phosphates, metal sulfides, sulfur, lithium sulfide, oxygen, or air, and may further include a solid electrolyte material such as the solid electrolyte compositions described herein, a conductive material and/or a binder. Examples of the conductive material include, but are not limited to, carbon (carbon black, graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon fiber, graphene), metal particles, filaments, or other structures. Examples of the binder include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polyanilene, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), PVDF, or polystyrene. Positive electrode active material layer 120 may include solid electrolyte compositions as described herein at, for example, 5% by volume to 80% by volume. The thickness of positive electrode active material layer 120 may be in the range of, for example, 1 ?m to 1000 ?m.

[0037] Negative electrode active material layer 140 may include, at least, a negative electrode active material including, but not limited to, lithium metal, lithium alloys, Si, Sn, graphitic carbon, hard carbon, and may further include a solid electrolyte material such as the solid electrolyte compositions described herein, a conductive material and/or a binder. Examples of the conductive material may include those materials used in the positive electrode material layer. Examples of the binder may include those materials used in the positive electrode material layer. Negative electrode active material layer 140 may include solid electrolyte compositions as described herein at, for example, 5% by volume to 80% by volume. The thickness of negative electrode active material layer 140 may be in the range of, for example, 1 ?m to 1000 ?m.

[0038] Solid electrolyte material included within solid electrolyte layer 130 is one or more of the solid electrolyte compositions as described herein. Solid electrolyte layer 130 may include solid electrolyte compositions as described herein in the range of 10% by volume to 100% by volume, for example. Further, solid electrolyte layer 130 may contain a binder or other modifiers. Examples of the binder may include those materials used in the positive electrode material layer as well as additional self-healing polymers and poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO). A thickness of solid electrolyte layer 130 is in the range of 1 ?m to 1000 ?m.

[0039] Although indicated in FIG. 1 as a lamellar structure, it is well known that other shapes and configurations of solid-state electrochemical cells are possible. Most generally, a lithium solid-state battery may be produced by providing a positive electrode active material layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode active material layer sequentially layered and pressed between electrodes and provided with a housing.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a process for producing a solid electrolyte composition useful for the construction of secondary electrochemical cells. Process 200 begins with preparation step 210 wherein any preparation action such as precursor synthesis, purification, and equipment preparation may take place. After any initial preparation, process 200 advances to step 220 wherein sulfur compounds, lithium compounds and other compounds, such as described herein, may be combined with an appropriate solvent and/or other liquids. Exemplary sulfur compounds may include, for example, elemental sulfur, phosphorus pentasulfide (P.sub.2S.sub.5), and lithium sulfide (Li.sub.2S) typically in powder forms. Exemplary lithium compounds may include, for example, lithium metal (Li), lithium sulfide (Li.sub.2S), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium nitride (Li.sub.3N), lithium borohydride (LiBH.sub.4), Lithium fluoroborate (LiBF.sub.4), lithium amide (LiNH.sub.2), and lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3) typically in powder forms. Exemplary solvents may include, for example, but are not limited to, aprotic chain hydrocarbons such as heptane, octane, or decane, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, or xylenes, and other solvents with a low propensity to generate hydrogen sulfide gas in contact with precursors or final electrolyte composition. The solvent is not particularly limited as long as it remains in the liquid state in part or in whole during the milling process and does not participate in deleterious reactions with the solid electrolyte precursors or final solid electrolyte composition. The ratios and amounts of the various compounds is not specifically limited as long as the combination permits the synthesis of the desired composition as indicated by the presence of specific X-ray diffraction features. The ratios and amounts may also vary according to specific synthesis conditions. For example, the ratio of solvent volume to precursor mass may need to be adjusted as solid electrolyte composition is adjusted to ensure complete milling of the precursors to generate the desired solid electrolyte phase discussed herein.

[0041] The amount of solvent added to the combination is not limited as long as the amount supports synthesis of the desired composition of solid electrolyte material. Multiple solvents may be mixed together with the noted compounds. Additional materials, such as co-solvents or polymers, may also be added during this step. Furthermore, the synthesis may be carried out with no solvent.

[0042] Next, in step 230 the composition may be mixed and/or milled for a predetermined period of time and temperature in order to create a solid electrolyte, as described above. Mixing time is not specifically limited as long as it allows for appropriate homogenization and reaction of precursors to generate the solid electrolyte. Mixing temperature is not specifically limited as long as it allows for appropriate mixing and is not so high that a precursor enters the gaseous state. For example, appropriate mixing may be accomplished over 10 minutes to 48 hours and at temperatures from 0 to 120 degrees Celsius. In one embodiment, the appropriate mixing may be accomplished over 10 minutes to 36 hours. In another embodiment, the appropriate mixing may be accomplished over 10 minutes to 24 hours while in another embodiment the appropriate mixing may be accomplished over 10 minutes to 12 hours. For the temperatures appropriate mixing takes place, in some embodiments the temperatures can range from 15 to 200 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, the temperatures at which appropriate mixing can take place is from 20 to 150 degrees Celsius. In a further embodiment, the temperatures at which appropriate mixing can take place is from 25 to 120 degrees Celsius. Mixing may be accomplished using, for example, a planetary ball-milling machine or an attritor mill. In some embodiments the process described herein may be referred to as mechanochemical synthesis.

[0043] Next, in step 240, the composition may be dried in an inert atmosphere such as argon or nitrogen or under vacuum for a predetermined period of time and temperature. Following drying, heat treatment may be performed during an optional step 250. The temperature of heat treatment is not particularly limited, as long as the temperature is equal to or above the temperature required to generate the crystalline phase of the present disclosure, or as required to enhance the ionic conductivity or the lithium metal compatibility. The material resulting from heat treatment step 250 may be single phase, and may also contain other crystalline phases, glass phases, and minor fractions of precursor phases.

[0044] Generally, the heat treatment time is not limited as long as the heat treatment time allows production of the desired composition and phase. The time may be in the range of, for example, one minute to 24 hours. Further, the heat treatment is conducted in an inert gas atmosphere (e.g., Argon), a reducing atmosphere (e.g., Hydrogen), or under vacuum. The heat treatment step 250 may be skipped entirely if the desired composition and phase is achieved during the earlier mixing or drying steps.

[0045] In final step 260, a completed composition may be utilized in the construction of electrochemical cells such as the cell of FIG. 1.

Example 1

[0046] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 20.13 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 4.87 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 2

[0047] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 20.13 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 4.87 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 6 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 3

[0048] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 20.13 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 4.87 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 6 hours at 350 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 4

[0049] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 20.13 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 4.87 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 3 hours at 350 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent is removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 5

[0050] The material resulting from Example 4 was taken and subjected to heat treatment. Inside of an argon-filled glovebox, a fabric heating mantle was loaded with a borosilicate beaker and preheated to 150? C. The powder was introduced into the pre-heated beaker and treated for 10 minutes, and then promptly removed from the heating mantle and allowed to cool naturally.

Example 6

[0051] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 23.13 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 1.87 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 7

[0052] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 12.92 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 2.08 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 240 g zirconia milling media and 45 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 8

[0053] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 12.08 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 2.92 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 240 g zirconia milling media and 45 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 9

[0054] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 11.01 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 3.99 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 240 g zirconia milling media and 45 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 10

[0055] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 10.35 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 4.65 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 240 g zirconia milling media and 45 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 11

[0056] First, Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=70:30 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 20.49 g Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=70:30 and 4.51 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 12

[0057] First, Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=80:20 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 19.71 g Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=80:20 and 5.29 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Example 13

[0058] First, Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=83.3:16.7 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 22.80 g Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=83.3:16.7 and 2.20 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

Comparative Example 1

[0059] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, 4.10 g Li.sub.3PS4 and 0.90 g LiBH.sub.4 were added to an agate mortar and pestle and ground by hand for 10 minutes where a homogeneous mixture was observed. This material was studied with no further processing.

Comparative Example 2

[0060] The material resulting from Comparative Example 1 was taken and subjected to heat treatment. Inside of an argon-filled glovebox, a fabric heating mantle was loaded with a borosilicate beaker and preheated to 140 C. The powder was introduced into the pre-heated beaker and treated for 10 minutes, and then promptly removed from the heating mantle and allowed to cool naturally.

Comparative Example 3

[0061] First, Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 was prepared by mechanochemical synthesis. Next, the electrolyte composition was prepared from precursors including 24.34 g Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and 0.65 g LiBH.sub.4 (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). Precursors were added to a 250 ml zirconia milling jar with 400 g zirconia milling media and 60 ml xylenes (Sigma-Aldrich Co.). The mixture was milled in a Retsch PM 100 planetary mill for 12 hours at 500 RPM. The material was collected and the solvent was removed at 70? C. under vacuum.

[0062] In some embodiments, the present disclosure may be realized over a range of synthesis conditions and stoichiometries, and the examples and data presented herein are intended to aid understanding of the claimed conditions and ranges. It is to be understood that that the data presented here is non-exhaustive.

[0063] The effect of synthesis conditions is evidenced in Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1-2. Here, demonstrating various synthesis conditions through the use of planetary ball milling, several observations can be made. When decreasing the total energy input into the precursors during milling, specific changes to x-ray diffraction (FIG. 3a), FTIR spectra (FIG. 4a), Raman spectra (FIG. 5), and conductivity (FIG. 6a) were observed. Peaks in x-ray diffraction may become weaker due to lower crystallinity or smaller crystallite size. Different levels of synthesis energy may cause differences in the ratio of x-ray peaks at 14.6?0.25 and 15.3?0.25 degrees (CuK? radiation), and this ratio may be correlated to ionic conductivity as demonstrated in FIG. 6a. When the total energy input reached a certain lower threshold, the product became x-ray amorphous, as observed for Ex 4 in FIG. 3a. X-ray amorphous may mean either glassy, nano-crystalline, with domains too small for the instrumentation to resolve into peaks, or a combination of the two. When a product of milling synthesis is x-ray amorphous, it may be subject to heat treatment to cause crystallization and the appearance of the phase of the present disclosure. When the product of Ex 4 was subjected to 10 min at 150? C. to create Ex 5, crystallization substantially occurred and the phase of the present disclosure was observed.

[0064] Further detail on the synthesis process is gained when examining the FTIR spectra presented in FIG. 4a. In FIG. 4a, data from Ex 1-5 is presented alongside spectra of pure Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and LiBH.sub.4 materials. The spectra of LiBH.sub.4 shows sharp distinguishing features and two of these peaks are labeled as representative of this material for comparison with Ex 1-5. For Ex 1-3 relatively little difference was observed in FTIR spectra. In materials of the composition and synthesis conditions described by these examples, the sharp features of LiBH.sub.4 have softened and changed slightly, which indicates an integration with Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 to form the phase of the present disclosure. The spectra indicate that the BH.sub.4 unit remained intact but now had a slightly different local environment compared to the environment in LiBH.sub.4. When examining the FTIR spectra of Ex 4, there is clear signature of LiBH.sub.4 phase still present in the product, and conductivity was low, as shown in FIG. 6a. However, a subsequent heat treatment of 10 min at 150? C. was sufficient to complete the integration of LiBH.sub.4, crystallize the phase of the present disclosure, and improve conductivity 6?.

[0065] The x-ray diffraction patterns of the present disclosure presented in FIG. 3 showed, to the best resolution of the instrumentation, the same number of peaks and peak locations as is typically observed for lithium argyrodites utilizing Br instead of BH.sub.4. Considering the similarity in ionic radii of Br (196 pm) and BH.sub.4 (193 pm), a similar d-spacing and peak location may be expected. This implies the existence of the crystalline phase typically adopted by lithium-based argyrodite-type materials. The only non-typical peak observed in the x-ray diffraction data was the peak at 14.4?0.25 deg and the existence and implications of this peak are discussed in detail elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0066] Examining the Raman spectra for Ex 1-3, presented in FIG. 5, a primary peak at 423 cm.sup.?1 was observed, along with a minor peak at 391 cm.sup.?1. The peak at 391 cm.sup.?1 corresponds to PS vibrations in a P.sub.2S.sub.6.sup.4- unit, which is an impurity phase brought into the synthesis with the Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 precursor. Importantly, the main peak in the Raman spectra at 423 cm.sup.?1 corresponds to PS vibrations in a PS.sub.4.sup.3- structural unit. The crystalline structure of Argyrodite-type materials is composed exclusively of PS.sub.4 units and no other units (such as P.sub.2S.sub.6.sup.4-, P.sub.2S.sub.7.sup.4-) are present in the structure. Given the observed x-ray diffraction pattern showing the number and location of peaks typical of argyrodite-type materials, and the Raman spectra showing the majority presence of PS.sub.4 local structural units, it is concluded that the material of the present disclosure is also, in majority, an argyrodite-type material.

[0067] A further detail in Raman spectra of Ex 1-3 is shown in the inset of FIG. 5. Here the variation in a shoulder peak at 452 cm.sup.1 was seen. It is noted that the strength of this peak seems correlated with the energy input during milling synthesis, and that subsequently the strength of this peak may also be correlated with conductivity. This peak could indicate a small structural disorder that alters local crystal symmetry that has an effect on ion mobility.

[0068] Comparative Examples 1-2, shown in FIG. 3a, demonstrate that it is not sufficient to simply mix the Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 and LiBH.sub.4 precursor phases and apply heat to create the phase of the present disclosure, and further synthesis energy input, such as milling or alternative reaction pathways through means of solution-phase reactions, may be necessary.

[0069] In another embodiment, other synthesis routes may be used. For example, a method comprising the mixing of suitable precursors providing components Li, T, X, and A in a solvent capable of causing reaction between the precursors, removal of the solvent, and optional heat treatment at a temperature equal to or greater than the crystallization temperature of the material, may be used to synthesize the solid electrolyte material discussed herein.

[0070] Other embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a range of nominal stoichiometry within which the present disclosure may be realized. Ex 6-10 and Comp. Ex 3 serve as a demonstration of the range of LiBH.sub.4 fraction in the precursors. Generally, the present disclosure is demonstrated over the range LPS.Math.zLiBH.sub.4 where 0.25<z<4. Ex 6-10 demonstrated this range, and the resulting diffraction pattern are shown in FIG. 3b. The peaks of the present disclosure were observed in all cases. Comparative Example 3 demonstrated the result when z=0.2. Only peaks of the Li.sub.3PS.sub.4 precursor phase were observed as the quantity of LiBH.sub.4 available to the system was too low to substantially create the crystalline phase of the present disclosure.

[0071] Examining the trends in conductivity for Ex 6-10 as shown in FIG. 6b, it was observed that conductivity increased from z=0.7 to z=3, then decreased when increasing LiBH.sub.4 content further to z=3.7. Stated briefly, conductivity increases as the fraction of LiBH.sub.4 in the system increases, up to a limit, where conductivity begins to decrease thereafter.

[0072] For Ex 6-8, the FTIR spectra shown in FIG. 4b showed BH bonding modified slightly from that found in pure LiBH.sub.4. There was no signature of LiBH.sub.4 in Ex 6-8. However, the spectra of Ex 9-10 clearly showed the additional presence of the characteristic peaks of LiBH.sub.4 phase. The presence of LiBH.sub.4 phase indicated that at the nominal compositions reported in Ex 9-10 the fraction of LiBH.sub.4 in the precursors was too high to be incorporated into a single phase.

[0073] The nominal composition of Ex 8 corresponded to Li.sub.5PS.sub.4(BH.sub.4).sub.2. Data presented herein describe how the present disclosure can be described as an argyrodite-type phase. With an understanding that a typical argyrodite-type material exists in space group F-43m, Wyckoff positions 4a and 4d may possibly be populated either by a chalcogen (typically sulfur) or by a halogen (typically Cl or Br) or pseudo-halogen. Considering a hypothetical example involving the pseudo-halogen BH.sub.4, when half of the available 4a+4d sites are filled with BH.sub.4, the nominal stoichiometry of a resulting argyrodite-type material would be Li.sub.6PS.sub.5(BH.sub.4). Continuing, if all of the available 4a+4d sites are filled with BH.sub.4 the nominal stoichiometry of a resulting argyrodite-type material would be Li.sub.5PS.sub.4(BH.sub.4).sub.2. Therefore, the limit of halogen or pseudo-halogen incorporation into an argyrodite-type material should be when y=2 in Li.sup.+.sub.(12-n-y)T.sup.n+A.sup.2-.sub.(6-y)X.sup.?.sub.(y) as beyond this level there is essentially no place for the halogen or pseudo-halogen to go in the structure so as to remain energetically favorable.

[0074] The FTIR data in FIG. 4b showed the presence of LiBH.sub.4 only for nominal compositions where y>2 in Li.sup.+.sub.(12-n-y)T.sup.n+A.sup.2-.sub.(6-y)X.sup.?.sub.(y). Based on this observation, the present disclosure is the first realization of an argyrodite-type material where a halogen or pseudo-halogen occupies substantially all 4a and 4d Wyckoff sites, essentially resulting in halogen or pseudo-halogen saturation of the structure. As this has been extensively attempted but never realized with halogens such as Cl, Br, etc., it may be the unique properties of a pseudo-halogen such as BH.sub.4 that allow y=2 in Li.sup.+.sub.(12-n-y)T.sup.n+A.sup.2-.sub.(6-y)X.sup.?.sub.(y) and the discovery of the present disclosure.

[0075] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a further range of nominal stoichiometry within which the present disclosure may be realized. Using the system (Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5):2LiBH.sub.4), Ex1 and Ex 11-13 compared a range of Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 ratios. In such embodiments, the nominal composition of the Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 fraction was varied from 70:30 on the low end to 83:17 on the high end. General observations from x-ray diffraction results presented in FIG. 3c include the variation of the ratio of peaks at 14.6?0.25 vs 15.3?0.25 and the amount of relative Li.sub.2S impurity. At a composition Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 of 80:20 presented in Ex 12, the limit of the glass forming ratios was approached, and an elevated amount of Li.sub.2S was observed. However, increasing conductivity was generally observed in FIG. 6c up to this limit. For a composition Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5=83:17 there was an excess of Li.sub.2S present in x-ray diffraction as this composition may be outside of a glass forming ratio, and conductivity was decreased due to the stoichiometric imbalance of the system and strong presence of Li.sub.2S impurity phase.

[0076] In another embodiment, there may exist a peak centered at 2?=14.6??0.25?. This peak may be a component of the main structure of the composition or a secondary phase. The presence of this peak is associated with an increase in ionic conductivity and is therefore desired when high lithium conductivity is required. In the case where component X is a polyanionic species such as BH.sub.4.sup.?, BF.sub.4.sup.?, etc., this additional peak may arise from rotations or displacements of the polyhedral group, such that the apex species (H, F, etc.) occupies a typically unoccupied region of the crystalline structure and causes a new diffraction peak that would not be seen if component X were a singular anion (Cl.sup.?, Br.sup.?, etc.). This diffraction peak may be a result of the polyanionic species itself, or result from new scattering induced as the surrounding structure relaxes and repositions to compensate for the polyanionic motion and lithium ion motion. As the rotations and displacements of polyhedra are often correlated to mobility of ionic charge carriers, the correlation of ionic conductivity with the strength of this measurable diffraction peak may be understood by considering that the strength of the peak is itself tied to rotations and displacements of the anionic polyhedra.

[0077] The general chemical composition may be denoted as LPS.Math.zLiX, where T, A and X represent elements as described herein, and LPS denotes, for example, a mixture of Li.sub.2S and P.sub.2S.sub.5 in a glass forming ratio, and/or Li.sub.2S and B.sub.2S.sub.3 in a glass forming ratio. Glass forming ratios may be in the range 1:1 to 4:1 for Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 and 1:1 to 3:1 for Li.sub.2S:B.sub.2S.sub.3. In another embodiment, the Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5 component may be primarily crystalline or primarily glassy, as long as the mixing and/or milling step is sufficient to combine this material thoroughly with the other precursors in a way that allows creation of the desired electrolyte composition.

[0078] Compositions may be in the range of 0?z?25. In another embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 0.15?z?15. In a further embodiment the compositions may be in the range of 0.20?z?10. In yet another embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 0.25?z?4. In yet another embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 1?z?3. The composition may be single phase or mixed phase, with other crystalline phases identified by XRD peaks at 2?=17.5 and 18.2?. The compositions may also contain a crystalline phase associated with one or more lithium halides or lithium sulfide. As is typical of sulfide materials the composition may be a glass-ceramic, with both crystalline and glassy phases co-existing.

[0079] In another embodiment, the general chemical composition may be denoted as LPSX.Math.zLiX, where LiX comprises one or more of LiCl, LiBr, LiI, LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, and LiNO.sub.3, and LPSX comprises a mixture of Li.sub.2S, P.sub.2S.sub.5 and LiX in a glass forming ratio, and Li.sub.2S, B.sub.2S.sub.3 and LiX in a glass forming ratio, where in some embodiments, the X in LPSX and in the LiX are the same, and in another embodiment, the X in LPSX and in the LiX are not the same. The glass forming ratios may be in the range 1:1:1 to 4:1:4 for Li.sub.2S:P.sub.2S.sub.5:LiX and 1:1:1 to 3:1:4 for Li.sub.2S:B.sub.2S.sub.3:LiX. In some embodiments, LiX comprises LiBH.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiNH.sub.2, and LiNO.sub.3. In another embodiment, LiX is LiBH.sub.4. Compositions may be in the range of 0<z?25. In another embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 0<z?15. In a further embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 0<z?10. In yet another embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 0<z?4. In yet another embodiment, the compositions may be in the range of 0<z?2. The composition may be single phase or mixed phase, with other crystalline phases identified by XRD peaks at 2?=17.5? and 18.2?. The compositions may also contain a crystalline phase associated with one or more lithium halides or lithium sulfide. As is typical of sulfide materials the composition may be a glass-ceramic, with both crystalline and glassy phases co-existing.

[0080] A ratio of peak height between a peak at 2?=15.3??0.25? and 14.6??0.25? in X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? may be 25:1 or less. In another embodiment, the ratio of peak height between a peak at 2?=15.3??0.25? and 14.6??0.25? in X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? may be 20:1 or less. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of peak height between a peak at 2?=15.3??0.25? and 14.6??0.25? in X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? may be 10:1 or less. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of peak height between a peak at 2?=15.3??0.25? and 14.6??0.25? in X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? may be 5:1 or less. In yet another embodiment, the ratio of peak height between a peak at 2?=15.3? ?0.25? and 14.6??0.25? in X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? may be 2:1 or less. In another embodiment, the ratio of peak height between a peak at 2?=15.3? ?0.25? and 14.6??0.25? in X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement with Cu-K?(1,2)=1.5418 ? may be 1.5:1 or less. These peaks may be separated by 0.3? or more.

[0081] An exemplary composition is defined by LPS.Math.2LiX=Li.sub.5PS.sub.4(BH.sub.4).sub.2. Such a composition yields a semi-crystalline phase of the present disclosure. The structure of this semi-crystalline phase is conducive to high ionic conductivity, and the presence of the hydride component may aid in the formation of stable, low-resistance interfaces against lithium metal and high voltage cathode active materials.

[0082] The crystalline or semi-crystalline phase resulting from a composition, such as Li.sub.5PS.sub.4(BH.sub.4).sub.2 may adopt the typical cubic structure of lithium argyrodites with space group F-43m, or adopt a very similar structure with slightly altered symmetry. The rationale for altered symmetry is provided above in an explanation of how rotations and displacements of polyanionic components may lead to atomic occupancy of lattice sites not explicitly occupied within the framework of the F-43m space group. The adoption of this type of structure is non-obvious. Considering the chemical system Li.sub.7-yPS.sub.6-yX.sub.y, it has been demonstrated that when X=Cl the solid solution limit is y=1.5, and this limit is lower for X=Br at y=1.25 due to the larger ionic radius of Br compared to Cl [Nazar, Angewandte Chemie, 2019]. Since the ionic radius of BH.sub.4.sup.? is similar to Br, it can be expected that the solid solution limit may be y?1.25. However, in the present disclosure, using, for example, BH.sub.4 as the pseudo-halogen, this limit is y>1.25 as evidenced by the trends in conductivity and lack of LiBH.sub.4 phase in x-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the known compound Ag.sub.5PS.sub.4Cl.sub.2 [J?rgens, Solid State Sciences, 2007] adopts an orthorhombic structure (Amm2), which is very different from the cubic lithium Argyrodite family (F-43m), and there is no presently known lithium analog with this composition. Therefore, the present disclosure may comprise the first example of a lithium ion conductor with a cubic Argyrodite structure with a halogen or pseudo-halogen level approaching y=2 in Li.sub.7-yPS.sub.6-yX.sub.y.

[0083] In another embodiment, the system LPS.Math.yLiX may yield a crystalline fraction with the nominal composition Li.sub.5PS.sub.4(X).sub.2 along with a glassy fraction. The ratio of crystalline and glassy fractions would then be determined by the nominal starting composition. The glassy fraction may comprise ion conducting material and may have a composition similar to the LPS precursor. When the amount of LiX is higher than can be supported by the amount of LPS, the resulting material may comprise Li.sub.5PS.sub.4(X).sub.2 crystalline fraction, glassy or crystalline LiX, and additional glassy phase. In some embodiments LiX may be LiBH.sub.4, where component X is BH.sub.4.

[0084] The enhanced conductivity of the present disclosure compared to related art may be due to unique ion conduction mechanisms. The polyanionic nature of, for example, the BH.sub.4 anion may allow for a paddle-wheel effect, whereby rotational freedom of the anionic unit allows for easier transit of a passing lithium ion through alterations of the local potential energy space during rotation. Additionally, the compositions presented herein may benefit from disorder introduced by, for example, the BH.sub.4 anion as observed by low intensity XRD patterns with broadened peaks. It is known that for Cl- and Br-containing argyrodites, disorder amongst the S and Cl/Br sites leads to high conductivity, but for the I-containing argyrodite a lack of such disorder leads to low conductivity. Such disorder or local lattice strain in proximity to the BH.sub.4 unit may exist in the present invention and lead to enhanced ionic conductivity.

[0085] Further, the present disclosure may be nanocrystalline in nature with crystalline domain size on the order of 100 nm or less. This may be a result of processing conditions or reaction mechanisms among the precursors and may lead to benefits for ionic conductivity and operation at high current density with lithium metal anodes. With nanocrystalline domains a more uniform SEI may develop at the interface with lithium metal anodes which may be beneficial to support high current densities without the nucleation and growth of dendrites.

[0086] Aside from microstructural considerations, enhanced stability compared to related art compositions when used in combination with a metallic lithium anode may stem from several factors related to the chemistry of the material. In particular for embodiments comprising hydride or amide species, the SEI formed in contact with lithium metal may have a lower overall resistance to charge transfer due to the presence of moderately-conducting lithium-hydride species and the dilution of any poorly-conducting lithium-sulfide species. The arrangement and structure of the SEI components may exist in such a way as to create more uniform electric field distribution, ion flux, and/or lithium plating/stripping. Additionally, the surface energy of the present composition may be such that it achieves good wetting by lithium metal and/or maintains mechanical contact during higher levels of interface polarization or plating/stripping rates. In this context, enhanced stability may mean the use of higher current densities without unexpected voltage deviations or short circuiting, or longer cycle life, or higher coulombic efficiencies. A low voltage anode active material may include, but is not limited to, lithium metal, lithium alloys, Si, Sn, graphitic carbon, hard carbon, composites of these, or other materials or composites with a working voltage near or below 1.0V vs Li/Li.sup.+.

[0087] It is observed that structural modification or the introduction of a secondary phase may lead to an increase in ionic conductivity. These modifications can be controlled during the synthesis process by controlling milling speed or milling temperature or total energy input to the precursor composition.

[0088] During the synthesis there may be a generation of gas. The presence of gaseous species indicates that the final composition may differ slightly from the nominal starting composition. The gas generation may be related to the specific synthesis conditions and be further related to the observation of structural modification or secondary phase generation described above.

[0089] The presence of structural modifications or the secondary phase described above has been associated with decreased performance of a lithium metal anode. This may indicate that synthesis-related chemical changes, evidenced by gas generation during milling synthesis, lead to changes in the SE-Li interface composition and properties. Therefore, to achieve highest performance when using a lithium metal anode, it may be desirable to synthesize the present composition under conditions that minimize the structural modifications or secondary phase described above.

[0090] When used as part of a positive electrode active material layer in combination with a high voltage cathode active material stability advantages compared to related art compositions are realized which may stem from the chemistry of the present composition. The incorporation of a superhalogen such as BH.sub.4 or BF.sub.4 may lead to an overall increase of the oxidation potential of the electrolyte composition due to the high electron affinity of this species.

[0091] Features described above as well as those claimed below may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope hereof. The preceding examples illustrate some possible, non-limiting combinations. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The above-described embodiments should be considered as examples of the present disclosure, rather than as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In addition to the foregoing embodiments of disclosure, review of the detailed description and accompanying drawings will show that there are other embodiments of such disclosure. Accordingly, many combinations, permutations, variations and modifications of the foregoing embodiments of disclosure not set forth explicitly herein will nevertheless fall within the scope of such disclosure. The following claims are intended to cover generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.