Lithium‐Metal Anode Instability of the Superionic Halide Solid Electrolytes and the Implications for Solid‐State Batteries

Abstract

Owing to high ionic conductivity and good oxidation stability, halide‐based solid electrolytes regain interest for application in solid‐state batteries. While stability at the cathode interface seems to be given, the stability against the lithium metal anode has not been explored yet. Herein, the formation of a reaction layer between Li 3 InCl 6 (Li 3 YCl 6 ) and lithium is studied by sputter deposition of lithium metal and subsequent in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as by impedance spectroscopy. The interface is thermodynamically unstable and results in a continuously growing interphase resistance. Additionally, the interface between Li 3 InCl 6 and Li 6 PS 5 Cl is characterized by impedance spectroscopy to discern whether a combined use as cathode electrolyte and separator electrolyte, respectively, might enable long‐term stable and low impedance operation. In fact, oxidation stable halide‐based lithium superionic conductors cannot be used against Li, but may be promising candidates as cathode electrolytes.