Interface Induced Fast Ion Conduction in Complex Hydride/Oxide Nanocomposites: Interplay between Hydride and Oxide Properties

Abstract

Solid-state electrolytes are crucial for next generation batteries with high energy density, long lasting and improved safety. The compatibility of most solid electrolytes with metallic anodes such as Li and Na metals, and cathodes such as sulfur, makes them suitable for high-capacity batteries (e.g., Li-S). They also address the safety concerns of current batteries by eliminating the flammable organic solvents in liquid electrolytes and by preventing/limiting dendrite formation. The lithium and sodium containing complex metal hydrides (e.g., LiBH4, NaBH4, LiCB11H12) have recently gained attention as solid-state electrolyte. They show high ionic conductivities but only at elevated temperatures (typically above 110 °C). Extending the high ionic conductivities to ambient temperatures is pivotal to the application of this fascinating class of solid electrolytes [1]. In this contribution, we will use LiBH4 and NaBH4 as examples to show that the ionic conductivities of complex hydrides can be greatly enhanced through interface effects resulting from the formation of nanocomposites with metal oxides. This strategy can lead to several orders of magnitude increase in the room temperature ionic conductivity [2]. Using DSC, DRIFT, solid-state NMR, and XRS (Xray Raman scattering), I will discuss how nanocomposite formation and presence of interfaces modifies either the phase stability, the defect concentration and/or leads to the formation of tertiary phase, and thereby increase profoundly the ion mobility of the complex hydrides. Systematic studies with different oxide nanoscaffolds and surface modified metal oxides, reveal that these effects can be optimized by tuning/engineering the nanostructure and interfaces in the nanocomposites. [3-4]. We will show that the effects also depend on a complex interplay between the stability of the metal hydride and surface properties of the metal oxide. Finally, the performance of some of the nanocomposite electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries, will be highlighted [5] References [1] L.M de Kort, P. Ngene et al. J. Journal of Alloys and Compounds 901 (2022) 163474[2] D. Blanchard et al., Advanced Functional Material. 25 (2015), 182.[3] P. Ngene et al. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 21 (40), 22456-22466[4] L.M de Kort, P. Ngene et al. Journal of Materials Chemistry A 8.39 (2020): 20687-20697[5] D. Blanchard et al, J. Electrochem. Soc. (2016).