In Situ Measurement of Buried Electrolyte–Electrode Interfaces for Solid State Batteries with Nanometer Level Precision

Abstract

Many technologies including high-energy solid-state batteries rely on high quality solid–solid interfaces. Solid–solid interfaces are particularly difficult to study as their nature requires the interface to be buried. In this work we demonstrate the use of a combination of neutron reflectometry and in situ electrochemistry to measure the interface between Li metal and the solid electrolyte LiPON across an 8 cm2 area. Neutron reflectometry measurements confirm the interphase to be less than 7 nm thick. The neutron reflectometry data further emphasize that the interphase that forms is a chemical gradient consisting of a Li-rich layer that gradually decreases in Li content until it blends into pure LiPON. Experimental confirmation that we can make ideal solid–solid interphases less than 10 nm thick will help facilitate the adoption of high efficiency next generation solid state batteries. Further this combination of complementary techniques provides a more general methodology for studying buried solid–solid interfaces across applications.