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Title: Degradation Mechanism of Phosphate‐Based Li‐NASICON Conductors in Alkaline Environment

Journal Article · · Advanced Energy Materials

NASICON-type Li conductors (Li-NASICON) have traditionally been regarded as promising candidates for solid-state Li-air battery applications because of their stability in water and ambient air. However, the presence of water in the cathode of a Li-air battery can induce a highly alkaline environment by modifying the discharge product from Li2O2 to LiOH which can potentially degrade cathode and separator materials. This study investigates the alkaline stability of common Li-NASICON chemistries through a systematic experimental study of LiTixGe2-x(PO4)3 (LTGP) with varying x = 0–2.0. Density functional theory calculations are combined to gain a mechanistic understanding of the alkaline instability. It is demonstrated that the instability of LTGP in an alkaline environment is mainly driven by the dissolution of PO43– groups, which subsequently precipitate as Li3PO4. The introduction of Ti facilitates the formation of a Ti-rich compound on the surface that eventually passivates the material, but only after significant bulk degradation. Consequently, phosphate-based Li-NASICON materials exhibit limited alkaline stability, raising concerns about their viability in humid Li-air batteries.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
2481712
Journal Information:
Advanced Energy Materials, Journal Name: Advanced Energy Materials Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 15; ISSN 1614-6832
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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