Stability and Formation of the Li3PS4/Li, Li3PS4/Li2S, and Li2S/Li Interfaces: A Theoretical Study

Solid electrolytes have shown superior behavior and many advantages over liquid electrolytes, including simplicity in battery design. However, some chemical and structural instability problems arise when solid electrolytes form a direct interface with the negative Li-metal electrode. In particular, it was recognized that the interface between the beta-Li3PS4 crystal and lithium anode is quite unstable and tends to promote structural defects that inhibit the correct functioning of the device. As a possible way out of this problem, we propose a material, Li2S, as a passivating coating for the Li/beta-Li3PS4 interface. We investigated the mutual affinity between Li/Li2S and Li2S/beta-Li3PS4 interfaces by DFT methods and investigated the structural stability through the adhesion energy and mechanical stress. Furthermore, a topological analysis of the electron density identified preferential paths for the migration of Li ions.