Structural and electrical characterization of the NASICON-type Li2FeZr(PO4)3 and Li2FeTi(PO4)3 compounds

In order to develop new electrolytes for all-solid-state rocking chair lithium batteries, the NASICON-type compounds Li₂FeZr(PO₄)₃ and Li₂FeTi(PO₄)₃ were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction technique and impedance spectroscopy. Li₂FeZr(PO₄)₃ is orthorhombic Pbna (a=8.706(3), b=8.786(2), c=12.220(5) Å) and Li₂FeTi(PO₄)₃ is orthorhombic Pbca (a=8.557(3), b=8.624(3), c=23.919(6) Å). They show no phase transitions from RT to 800 °C. In the same temperature range logσT vs. 1/T show no slope variations. The activation energies for the ionic conductivity were 0.62 and 0.64 eV for Li₂FeTi(PO₄)₃ and Li₂FeTi(PO₄)₃, respectively. In order to better evaluate the present results they were compared with those of α and β-LiZr₂(PO₄)₃ phases, which were also prepared and characterised. A change of activation energy from 0.47 eV to 1.03 eV was observed in the case of β phase, at about 300 °C; attributed to the β (orthorhombic) ? β′ (monoclinic) phase transition. In the α phase the activation energy 0.47 eV in the temperature range 150 – 850 °C. The Li₂FeZr(PO₄)₃ and Li₂FeTi(PO₄)₃ compounds can be interesting for applications as solid electrolytes in high temperature (>300 °C) lithium batteries.