Patent attributes
The invention provides compositions containing a solid state electrolyte (SSE) containing an alkali metal and a sulfide for use as the electrolyte matrix in a solid state rechargeable battery. The SSE compositions may further contain phosphorous, silicon, or a dopant atom, such as a halogen. These compositions are advantageous as they use Earth-abundant elements, have high voltage stability, excellent battery cycle performance, and are fabricated and used under conditions that do not require excessive external pressures which would otherwise limit their use in a production battery. In particular, the SSEs have a controllable microstructure, e.g., core-shell structure, that enhances their inherent stability while obviating the need for excessively large pressures to control the electrolyte stability. Methods of producing the compositions and rechargeable batteries including the composition are also provided.
