Solution-based fabrication of germanium sulphide doped with or without Li ions for solid electrolyte applications

Abstract

Ge-S and Li-Ge-S powders were synthesized via solution-based process in order to employ chalcogenide-based solid electrolyte for use in Li secondary batteries. GeCl4 and thioacetamide in combination result in Ge-S powders of which major crystalline phase becomes GeS2 where the tetragonal and orthorhombic phases coexist after heat treatment. A chemical treatment using NaOH brings about the reduction of chlorine in the powders obtained. However, the heat treatment at 300 degrees C is more effective in minimizing the chlorine content. When lithium chloride is used as the precursor of Li ions, the LiCl powders are agglomerated with an inhomogeneous distribution. When Li2S is used, the Li-Ge-S powders are distributed more uniformly and the orthorhombic GeS2 phase dominates in the powders.