Solid-state batteries represent a promising and evolving technology to address current limitations within traditional lithium-ion batteries. While inorganic electrolyte offers enhanced safety and increased energy density, there are still difficulties that need to be overcome for their widespread application. The major issues include limited ionic conductivity and structure instability. Improving ionic conductivity is crucial for efficient ion transport within the electrolyte, influencing the overall performance of the battery, while enhancing structure stability will contribute to battery durability. More recently a novel synthesis approach, the so-called ‘high-entropy’ strategy, shows promising effect to boost both.

The high-entropy method introduces a diverse range of elements into the crystalline structure matrix, creating considerably high level of disorders that offer improved ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. Based on solid solution theory we have selected a series of compositional candidates to be synthesized using the high-entropy strategy. The obtained electrolyte materials will be pelletized, sintered and tested in whole battery cell with selected battery components. Characterization methods including neutron diffraction and inelastic scattering will be involved for assessing the structural and dynamic aspects of the synthesized materials. Besides, theoretical calculations using molecular dynamics will aid in the mechanism of lithium-ion diffusion and further guide the selection and optimization of materials for improved battery performance.

The outcomes of our research hold significant promise for industrial applications, particularly in the advancement of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. It is expected to offer a comprehensive understanding of ion transport mechanisms, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and commercially viable energy storage solutions by presenting effective approaches that addresses key challenges in the evolution of battery technology.