Superionic Surface Li-Ion Transport in Carbonaceous Materials.

Zhou, Jianbin; Wang, Shen; Wu, Chaoshan; Qi, Ji; Wan, Hongli; Lai, Shen; Ko, Tsz Wai; Liang, Zhaohui et al. · Nano Lett · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Unlike Li-ion transport in the bulk of carbonaceous materials, little is known about Li-ion diffusion on their surface. In this study, we have discovered an ultrafast Li-ion transport phenomenon on the surface of carbonaceous materials with limited reversible Li insertion capacity and high surface area. An ionic conductivity of 18.1 mS cm<sup>-1</sup> at room temperature is observed in lithiated Ketjen black (KB), far exceeding those of most solid-state ion conductors. Theoretical calculations reveal low diffusion barriers for the surface Li species. As a result, lithiated KB functions effectively as an interlayer between Li and solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to mitigate dendrite growth. Further, lithiated KB acts as a high-performance mixed ionic-electronic conductor and replaces solid electrolytes to enhance graphite anode performance, demonstrating full utilization with ∼85% capacity retention over 300 cycles. The discovery of this surface-mediated ultrafast Li-ion transport mechanism provides new directions for the design of solid-state ion conductors and solid-state batteries.