Ultrafast Li Electrolytes Based on Abundant Elements: Li$_{10}$SnP$_2$S$_{12}$ and Li$_{11}$Si$_2$PS$_{12}$

Abstract

We report on the synthesis and characterization of two solid electrolytes, Li$_{10}$SnP$_2$S$_{12}$ and Li$_{11}$Si$_2$PS$_{12}$, which are based exclusively on abundant elements. Both compounds feature extremely high Li ion diffusivities, with the Si-based material even surpassing the present record holder, the related electrolyte Li$_{10}$GeP$_2$S$_{12}$. The structure and dynamics were studied with multiple complementary techniques and the macroscopic diffusion could be traced back to fast Li ion hopping in the crystalline lattice.