Interfacial Chemistry in Solid-State Batteries: Formation of Interphase and Its Consequences

Benefiting from extremely high shear modulus and high ionic transference number, solid electrolytes are promising candidates to address both the dendrite-growth and electrolyte-consumption problems inherent to the widely adopted liquid-phase electrolyte batteries. However, solid electrolyte/electrode interfaces present high resistance and complicated morphology, hampering the development of solid-state battery systems, while requiring advanced analysis for rational improvement. Here, we employ an ultrasensitive three-dimensional (3D) chemical analysis to uncover the dynamic formation of interphases at the solid electrolyte/electrode interface. While the formation of interphases widens the electrochemical window, their electronic and ionic conductivities determine the electrochemical performance and have a large influence on dendrite growth. Our results suggest that, contrary to the general understanding, highly stable solid electrolytes with metal anodes in fact promote fast dendritic formation, as a resu...