A novel phase of superionic conductor β′-Na3PS4 with a large band gap and a low migration barrier

Abstract

Na₃PS₄ crystals with high ionic conductivity are promising solid-state electrolytes. Here, a novel phase of Na₃PS₄ (β′-NPS) crystallizing in a cubic lattice with a space group of P3m was systematically investigated using first-principles calculations. First of all, β′-NPS is determined to be thermodynamically, dynamically and mechanically stable. The phase transition from tetragonal Na₃PS₄(α-NPS) to a cubic β′-NPS system occurs at approximately 480 K, suggesting high feasibility of experimental access. Moreover, the β′-NPS is an insulator with a large band gap of 4.05 eV and a low migration energy barrier of 0.10 eV for an interstitial Na ion. Significantly, a novel Na ion diffusion mechanism, that is, interstitial diffusion, is proposed, in contrast to traditional vacancy diffusion or kick-off diffusion as observed in most solid electrolytes. This work proposes β′-NPS as a promising superionic conductor for sodium ion batteries and provides theoretical guidance towards designing future ideal solid-state electrolytes.