Probing Structural Subtleties in the Low Temperature phase of Li2OHCl

One of the greatest challenges associated with current commercial lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is their use of liquid electrolytes, which are known to pose serious fire and safety risks. Hence, in recent years, battery-related research has been geared towards the development of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), as they are considered safe and robust alternatives. Numerous systems have been suggested as candidate solid electrolytes for ASSBs, including the anti-perovskite Li2OHCl. Here, we propose collecting variable-temperature neutron powder diffraction data for a deuterated sample of Li2OHCl. Specifically, we wish to examine the low temperature phase of Li2OHCl and establish the effects of cooling rate, as we have existing complementary data that suggests Li2OHCl undergoes a complex yet subtle phase transition. We would like to examine the nature of this phase transition and accurately characterise the structural changes occurring.