Point defects in garnet-type solid electrolyte (c-Li7La3Zr2O12) for Li-ion batteries

• Atomic structure of cubic Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) was investigated.
• Electronic band gap of LLZO was computed from DFT calculations.
• Various Li-ion defects in LLZO were computed.
• Thermodynamically, the most favorable Li defect formation was proposed.

Using ab-initio density-functional theory (DFT) methods, the atomic structure and electronic properties of one of the most promising family of solid electrolytes for Li-ion battery applications, lanthanum oxides with a garnet-type structure (c-Li7La3Zr2O12) are studied. The Li-ion (Li+) defects including Li/Li+ vacancies, interstitials, and vacancy–interstitial pair defect formation energy within the Li7La3Zr2O12 supercell are systematically investigated. This study is essential to understand the defect chemistry and the Li+ conductivity mechanisms. Our results indicate that the Li+ vacancy defects are thermodynamically more favorable than interstitial Li+ defects. This work will therefore be helpful to elucidate the atomic level mechanisms of Li defect formation in order to improve the ionic conductivity for future Li-ion battery applications.