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Abstract Oxides with a face-centred cubic (fcc) anion sublattice are generally not considered as solid-state electrolytes as the structural framework is thought to be unfavourable for lithium (Li) superionic conduction. Here we demonstrate Li superionic conductivity in fcc-type oxides in which face-sharing Li configurations have been created through cation over-stoichiometry in rocksalt-type lattices via excess Li. We find that the face-sharing Li configurations create a novel spinel with unconventional stoichiometry and raise the energy of Li, thereby promoting fast Li-ion conduction. The over-stoichiometric Li–In–Sn–O compound exhibits a total Li superionic conductivity of 3.38 × 10−4 S cm−1at room temperature with a low migration barrier of 255 meV. Our work unlocks the potential of designing Li superionic conductors in a prototypical structural framework with vast chemical flexibility, providing fertile ground for discovering new solid-state electrolytes.
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This content will become publicly available on December 23, 2025
Coherent‐Precipitation‐Stabilized Phase Formation in Over‐Stoichiometric Rocksalt‐Type Li Superionic Conductors
Abstract Rationalizing synthetic pathways is crucial for material design and property optimization, especially for polymorphic and metastable phases. Over‐stoichiometric rocksalt (ORX) compounds, characterized by their face‐sharing configurations, are a promising group of materials with unique properties; however, their development is significantly hindered by challenges in synthesizability. Here, taking the recently identified Li superionic conductor, over‐stoichiometric rocksalt Li–In–Sn–O (o‐LISO) material as a prototypical ORX compound, the mechanisms of phase formation are systematically investigated. It is revealed that the spinel‐like phase with unconventional stoichiometry forms as coherent precipitate from the high‐temperature‐stabilized cation‐disordered rocksalt phase upon fast cooling. This process prevents direct phase decomposition and kinetically locks the system in a metastable state with the desired face‐sharing Li configurations. This insight enables us to enhance the ionic conductivity of o‐LISO to be >1 mS cm−1at room temperature through low‐temperature post‐annealing. This work offers insights into the synthesis of ORX materials and highlights important opportunities in this new class of materials.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2145832
- PAR ID:
- 10571576
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Advanced Materials
- ISSN:
- 0935-9648
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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