The
high Li-ion conductivity of the argyrodite Li6PS5Cl makes it a promising solid electrolyte candidate for all-solid-state
Li-ion batteries. For future application, it is essential to identify
facile synthesis procedures and to relate the synthesis conditions
to the solid electrolyte material performance. Here, a simple optimized
synthesis route is investigated that avoids intensive ball milling
by direct annealing of the mixed precursors at 550 °C for 10
h, resulting in argyrodite Li6PS5Cl with a high
Li-ion conductivity of up to 4.96 × 10–3 S
cm–1 at 26.2 °C. Both the temperature-dependent
alternating current impedance conductivities and solid-state NMR spin–lattice
relaxation rates demonstrate that the Li6PS5Cl prepared under these conditions results in a higher conductivity
and Li-ion mobility compared to materials prepared by the traditional
mechanical milling route. The origin of the improved conductivity
appears to be a combination of the optimal local Cl structure and
its homogeneous distribution in the material. All-solid-state cells
consisting of an 80Li2S–20LiI cathode, the optimized
Li6PS5Cl electrolyte, and an In anode showed
a relatively good electrochemical performance with an initial discharge
capacity of 662.6 mAh g–1 when a current density
of 0.13 mA cm–2 was used, corresponding to a C-rate
of approximately C/20. On direct comparison with a solid-state battery
using a solid electrolyte prepared by the mechanical milling route,
the battery made with the new material exhibits a higher initial discharge
capacity and Coulombic efficiency at a higher current density with
better cycling stability. Nevertheless, the cycling stability is limited
by the electrolyte stability, which is a major concern for these types
of solid-state batteries.