US scientists: solid electrolyte Li₆PS₅Cl moves lithium ions fast above 260°F

A study of Li₆PS₅Cl using neutron scattering and simulations found the material enters a superionic state above 400 K (260°F), letting lithium ions hop quickly through the crystal lattice. Vibrations in the structure widen diffusion bottlenecks, speeding up ion transport.

• Li₆PS₅Cl becomes superionic when heated above 400 K (260°F)
• Neutron scattering was done at Oak Ridge's Spallation Neutron Source
• Lattice vibrations widen diffusion bottlenecks and speed up ions
• The work explains a mechanism but does not show gains in a finished battery