The Role of Chlorine Content in H2O Adsorption and Reactions on Argyrodite Sulfide Electrolytes

Abstract

Sulfide electrolytes are considered to be key materials for high-performance all-solid-state batteries. Chlorine-rich lithium argyrodite sulfides, Li_7–xPS_6–xCl_x (LPSC) in particular, are receiving increasing attention. However, the instability of sulfides with H₂O remains a major issue, and the influence of the chlorine content on moisture stability is not well understood. This study investigates LPSC electrolytes with varying chlorine contents to explore their interaction mechanisms with H₂O, focusing on often-overlooked H₂O adsorption. A series of techniques, including adsorption energy calculations, dynamic vapor sorption, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, were employed. The degradation product LiCl accelerates H₂O adsorption when the atmospheric vapor pressure exceeds that of saturated LiCl aqueous solution. Under low humidity, LiCl promotes the conversion of thio-phosphates, enhancing their reactivity with H₂O. This work provides valuable insights into the interactions between LPSC electrolytes and H₂O, establishing a foundational framework for studying the moisture stability of sulfides.