Variable temperature characterisation of a new family of Li ion conductors

We aim to perform variable temperature neutron diffraction to characterise a new family of lithium ion conductors: the hexagonal argyrodites. The activation barriers associated with ion transport in bulk crystalline structures are determined by the local coordination environments of the mobile ion, Li in this case. Accurate structural characterisation of the crystal structures of new Li ion conductors is necessary to understand mechanisms for ion transport. Neutron diffraction makes this possible, overcoming the difficulties encountered with weak X-ray scattering of Li. The new material exhibits a phase transition to a disordered structure establishing a relationship between well-known argyrodite and anti-perovskite ion conductors. The sample is ready to be measured and has been characterised using synchrotron X-ray diffraction (I11), measurement ionic conductivity and thermal behaviour.