In Situ Formation of Li₃P Layer Enables Fast Li⁺ Conduction across Li/Solid Polymer Electrolyte Interface

Solid-state polymer electrolytes provide better flexibility and electrode contact than their ceramic counterparts, making them a worthwhile pursuit for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries. However, their large Li/solid state electrolyte interfacial resistance, small critical current density, and rapid lithium dendrite growth during cycling still limit their viability. Owing to these restrictions, all-solid-state cells with solid polymer electrolytes must be cycled above room-temperature and with a small current density. These problems can be mitigated with an in situ formed artificial solid electrolyte interphase that rapidly conducts Li⁺ ions. Herein, a Li₃P layer formed in situ at the Li-metal/solid polymer electrolyte interphase is reported that significantly reduces the electrode/electrolyte interfacial resistance. Additionally, this layer increases the wettability of the solid polymer by the metallic lithium anode, allowing for the critical current density of lithium symmetric cells to be doubled by homogenizing the current density at the interface. All-solid-state Li/Li symmetric cells and Li/LiFePO₄ cells with the Li₃P layer show improved cycling performance with a high current density.