Beneficial redox activity of halide solid electrolytes empowering high-performance anodes in all-solid-state batteries

Abstract

All-solid-state batteries receive ample attention due to their promising safety characteristics and energy density. The latter holds true if they are compatible with next-generation high-capacity anodes, but most highly ion-conductive solid electrolytes decompose at low operating potentials, leading to lithium loss and increased cell resistances. Here the dynamic stability of solid electrolytes that can improve all-solid-state battery performance is demonstrated. Halide electrolytes Li₃YCl₃Br₃ and Li₂ZrCl₆, considered unstable at low potentials, are found to exhibit structurally reversible redox activity beyond their electrochemical stability windows, increasing compatibility with anodes and contributing to capacity without compromising ionic conductivity. The benefit of this dynamic stability window is demonstrated with cost-effective red phosphorus anodes, resulting in high reversible capacities (2,308 mAh g⁻¹), high rate capacity retention (1,024 mAh g⁻¹ at 7.75 mA cm⁻²) and extended cycle life (61% retention after 1,780 cycles). Furthermore, high areal capacity (7.65 mAh cm⁻²) and stability (70% retention after 1,000 cycles) are achieved for halide-based full cells with red phosphorous anodes. The beneficial redox activity of halide electrolytes greatly expands their application scenarios and suggests valuable battery design principles to enhance performance.