Unraveling the Correlation between Structure and Lithium Ionic Migration of Metal Halide Solid-State Electrolytes via Neutron Powder Diffraction

Abstract

Metal halide solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) (Li-M-X system, typically Li3MX6 and Li2MX4; M is metal or rare-earth element, X is halogen) exhibit significant potential in all solid-state batteries (ASSB) due to wide stability windows (0.36–6.71 V vs. Li/Li+), excellent compatibility with cathodes, and a water-mediated facile synthesis route for large-scale fabrication. Understanding the dynamics of Li+ transportation and the influence of the host lattice is the prerequisite for developing advanced Metal halide SSEs. Neutron powder diffraction (NPD), as the most cutting-edge technology, could essentially reflect the nuclear density map to determine the whole crystal structure. Through NPD, the Li+ distribution and occupation are clearly revealed for transport pathway analysis, and the influence of the host ion lattice on Li+ migration could be discussed. In this review, we stress NPD utilization in metal halide SSEs systems in terms of defect chemistry, phase transition, cation/anion disorder effects, dual halogen, lattice dynamics/polarizability, and in situ analysis of phase evolution. The irreplaceable role of NPD technology in designing metal halide SSEs with enhanced properties is stressed, and a perspective on future developments of NPD in metal halide SSEs is also presented.