Decomposition of Trace Li2CO3 During Charging Leads to Cathode Interface Degradation with the Solid Electrolyte LLZO

A major challenge for lithium-containing electrochemical systems is the formation of lithium carbonates. Solid-state electrolytes circumvent the use of organic liquids that can generate these species, but they are still susceptible to Li2CO3 formation from exposure to water vapor and carbon dioxide. It is reported here that trace quantities of Li2CO3, which are re-formed following standard mitigation and handling procedures, can decompose at high charging potentials and degrade the electrolyte-cathode interface. Operando electrochemical mass spectrometry (EC-MS) is employed to monitor the outgassing of solid-state batteries containing the garnet electrolyte Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and using appropriate controls CO2 and O-2 are identified to emanate from the electrolyte-cathode interface at charging potentials > 3.8 V (vs Li/Li+). The gas evolution is correlated with a large increase in cathode interfacial resistance observed by potential-resolved impedance spectroscopy. This is the first evidence of electrochemical decomposition of interfacial Li2CO3 in garnet cells and suggests a need to report "time-to-assembly" for cell preparation methods.