Stabilized Conductive Agent/Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Interface via a Halide Solid Electrolyte Coating for All-Solid-State Batteries

Abstract

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have garnered significant interest as the next-generation in battery technology, praised for their superior safety and high energy density. However, a conductive agent accelerates the undesirable side reactions of sulfide-based solid electrolytes, resulting in poor electrochemical properties with increased interfacial resistance. Here, we propose a wet chemical method rationally designed to achieve a conformal coating of lithium–indium chloride (Li₃InCl₆) onto vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) as conductive agents. First, with the advantage of the Li₃InCl₆ protective layer, use of VGCF@Li₃InCl₆ leads to enhanced interfacial stability and improved electrochemical properties, including stable cycle performance. These results indicate that the Li₃InCl₆ protective layer suppresses the unwanted reaction between Li₆PS₅Cl and VGCF. Second, VGCF@Li₃InCl₆ effectively promotes polytetrafluoroethylene fibrillization, leading to a homogeneous electrode microstructure. The uniform distribution of the cathode active material in the electrode results in reduced charge-transfer resistance and enhanced Li-ion kinetics. As a result, a full cell with the LiNi_xMn_yCo_zO₂/VGCF@Li₃InCl₆ electrode shows an areal capacity of 7.7 mAh cm⁻² at 0.05 C and long-term cycle stability of 77.9% over 400 cycles at 0.2 C. This study offers a strategy for utilizing stable carbon-based conductive agents in sulfide-based ASSBs to enhance their electrochemical performance.