Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Lithium Ion Conductivity of the Lithium Thiophosphate Li₂P₂S₆

Abstract

Inspired by the ongoing search for new superionic lithium thiophosphates for use in solid-state batteries, we present the synthesis and structural characterization of Li₂P₂S₆, a novel crystalline lithium thiophosphate. Whereas M₂P₂S₆ with the different alkaline elements (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) is known, the lithium counterpart has not been reported yet. Herein, we present a combination of synchrotron pair distribution function analysis and neutron powder diffraction to elucidate the crystal structure and possible Li⁺ diffusion pathways of Li₂P₂S₆. Additionally, impedance spectroscopy is used to evaluate its ionic conductivity. We show that Li₂P₂S₆ possesses P₂S₆^2- polyhedral units with edge-sharing PS₄ tetrahedra and only one-dimensional diffusion pathways with localized Li-Li pairs, leading to a low ionic conductivity for lithium.