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This work explored solution properties of linear and star poly(methacrylic acids) with four, six, and eight arms (LPMAA, 4PMAA, PMAA, and 8PMAA, respectively) of matched molecular weights in a wide range of pH, salt, and polymer concentrations. Experimental measurements of self-diffusion were performed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), and the results were interpreted using the scaling theory of polyelectrolyte solutions. While all PMAAs were pH sensitive and showed an increase in hydrodynamic radius (Rh) with pH in the dilute regime, the Rh of star polymers (measured at basic pH values) was significantly smaller for the star polyacids due to their more compact structure. Fully ionized star PMAAs were also found to be less sensitive to changes in salt concentration and type of the counterion compared to linear PMAA. While Rh of fully ionized linear PMAA decreased in the series Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Cs+ in agreement with the Hofmeister series, Rh of star PMAAs was virtually independent of type of the counterion for eight-arm PMAA. However, molecular architecture strongly affected interactions of counterions with PMAAs. In particular, 7Li NMR revealed that the spin−lattice relaxation time T1 of Li+ ions in low-salt solutions of eight-arm PMAA was ∼2-fold smaller than that in the solution of linear PMAA, suggesting slower Li+-ion dynamics within star polymers. An increase in concentration of monovalent chloride salts, cs, above that of the PMAA monomer unit concentration (cm) resulted in shrinking of both linear and star molecules, with the hydrodynamic size Rh scaling as Rh ∝ cs −0.11±0.01. Self-diffusion of linear and star polyelectrolytes was then studied in a wide range of polyelectrolyte concentrations (10−3 mol/L < cm < 0.5 mol/L) in low-salt (<10−4 mol/L of added salt) and high-salt (1 mol/L) solutions. In both the low-salt and high-salt regimes, diffusion coefficient D was lower for PMAAs with a larger number of arms at a fixed cm. In addition, in both cases, D plateaued at low polymer concentrations and decreased at higher polymer concentrations. However, while in the high-salt conditions, the concentration dependence of D reflected transitions between the dilute to semidilute solution regimes as expected for neutral chains in good and theta solvents, analysis of the diffusion data in the low-salt conditions using the scaling theory revealed a different origin of the concentration dependence of D. Specifically, in the low-salt solutions, both linear and star PMAAs exhibited unentangled (Rouse-like) dynamics in the entire range of polyelectrolyte concentrations. 

Abstract Polyanion rotations are often linked to cation diffusion, but the study of multiple polyanion systems is scarce due to the complexities in experimentally determining their dynamic interactions. This work focuses on BH₄‐based argyrodites, synthesized to achieve a high conductivity of 11 mS cm⁻¹. Advanced tools, including high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction, neutron pair distribution function analysis, and mutinuclear magic‐angle‐spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and relaxometry, along with theoretical calculations, are employed to unravel the dynamic intricacies among the dual polyanion lattice and active charge carriers. The findings reveal that the anion sublattice of Li_5.07PS_4.07(BH₄)_1.93affords an even temporal distribution of Li among PS₄³⁻and BH₄⁻, suggesting minimal trapping of the charge carriers. Moreover, the NMR relaxometry unveils rapid BH₄⁻rotation on the order of ∼GHz, affecting the slower rotation of neighboring PS₄³⁻at ∼100 MHz. The PS₄³⁻rotation synchronizes with Li⁺motion and drives superionic transport. Thus, the PS₄³⁻and BH₄⁻polyanions act as two‐staged dual motors, facilitating rapid Li⁺diffusion. 

Polycrystalline ion conductors are widely used as solid electrolytes in energy storage technologies. However, they often exhibit poor ion transport across grain boundaries and pores. This work demonstrates that strategically tuning the mesoscale microstructures, including pore size, pore distribution, and chemical compositions of grain boundaries, can improve ion transport. Using LiTa₂PO₈as a case study, we have shown that the combination of LiF as a sintering agent with Hf⁴⁺implantation improves grain-grain contact, resulting in smaller, evenly distributed pores, reduced chemical contrast, and minimized nonconductive impurities. A suite of techniques has been used to decouple the effects of LiF and Hf⁴⁺. Specifically, LiF modifies particle shape and breaks large pores into smaller ones, while Hf⁴⁺addresses the chemical mismatches between grains and grain boundaries. Consequently, this approach achieves nearly two orders of magnitude improvement in ion conduction. Tuning mesoscale structures offers a cost-effective method for enhancing ion transport in polycrystalline systems and has notable implications for synthesizing high-performance ionic materials. 

The Cl–S mixed-anion sublattice of Li_1.6AlCl_3.4S_0.6creates face- and edge-shared octahedra that connect to form 3D ion conduction pathways with low activation energy barriers. 

Abstract Localized atomistic disorder in halide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs) can be leveraged to boost Li⁺mobility. In this study, Li⁺transport in structurally modified Li₃HoCl₆, via Br⁻introduction and Li⁺deficiency, is explored. The optimized Li_3‐3yHo_1+yCl_6‐xBr_xachieves an ionic conductivity of 3.8 mS cm⁻¹at 25 °C, the highest reported for holmium halide materials.^6,7Li nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxometry investigations unveil enhanced ion dynamics with bromination, attaining a Li⁺motional rate neighboring 116 MHz. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal mixed‐anion‐induced phase transitions with disproportionate octahedral expansions and distortions, creating Ho‐free planes with favorable energetics for Li⁺migration. Bond valence site energy analysis highlights preferred Li⁺transport pathways, particularly in structural planes devoid of Ho³⁺blocking effects. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate enhanced Li⁺diffusion with Br⁻introduction into Li₃HoCl₆. Li‐Ho electrostatic repulsions in the (001) plane presumably drive Li⁺diffusion into the Ho‐free (002) layer, enabling rapid intraplanar Li⁺motion and exchange between the 2d and 4h sites. Li_3‐3yHo_1+yCl_6‐xBr_xalso demonstrates good battery cycling stability. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate correlations between structure and ion transport and will help guide the design of high‐performance fast ion conductors for all‐solid‐state batteries. 

Li_3.6In₇S_11.8Cl has a face-centered cubic arrangement of S²⁻/Cl⁻stabilized by Li⁺/In³⁺that form 3D ion conduction paths. The moisture stability and fast ion conduction make Li_3.6In₇S_11.8Cl a promising electrolyte for solid-state batteries. 

Abstract To enhance Li⁺transport in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs), harnessing localized nanoscale disorder can be instrumental, especially in sulfide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs). In this investigation, the transformation of the model SE, Li₃PS₄, is delved into via the introduction of LiBr.³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)unveils the emergence of a glassy PS₄³⁻network interspersed with Br⁻.⁶Li NMR corroborates swift Li⁺migration between PS₄³⁻and Br⁻, with increased Li⁺mobility indicated by NMR relaxation measurements. A more than fourfold enhancement in ionic conductivity is observed upon LiBr incorporation into Li₃PS₄. Moreover, a notable decrease in activation energy underscores the pivotal role of Br⁻incorporation within the anionic lattice, effectively reducing the energy barrier for ion conduction and transitioning Li⁺transport dimensionality from 2D to 3D. The compatibility of Li₃PS₄with Li metal is improved through LiBr incorporation, alongside an increase in critical current density from 0.34 to 0.50 mA cm⁻², while preserving the electrochemical stability window. ASSBs with 3Li₃PS₄:LiBr as the SE  showcase robust high‐rate and long‐term cycling performance. These findings collectively indicate the potential of lithium halide incorporation as a promising avenue to enhance the ionic conductivity and stability of SEs.