Probing the elastic modulus and hardness of superionic boron cluster solid electrolytes

Polyhedral borane salts are highly tunable compounds with the potential to be used as solid electrolytes due to their high Li and Na superionic conductivity and relatively wide electrochemical stability window. In considering their application to all solid-state batteries, their mechanical properties play a critical role in their operation due to stresses the solid electrolyte is subjected to during battery operation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have provided an initial assessment of bulk and elastic moduli for some selected boron cluster solid electrolytes, but direct measurements are still scarce. In this paper, we report the elastic moduli and hardnesses of LiCB 11 H 12 , LiCB 9 H 10 , NaCB 11 H 12 , and NaCB 9 H 10 for the first time using nanoindentation continuous stiffness method (CSM) measurements under inert atmosphere. Experimental modulus values ranging 8.8–12.3 GPa and hardness values ranging 0.15–0.38 GPa are lower than that of other inorganic solid-state electrolytes such as oxide- and sulfide-based solid electrolytes. DFT calculations on the expected moduli of these compounds are also presented and discussed. Analysis of the indentation plasticity index reveals that these compounds have higher plasticity index compared to other common oxide and sulfide solid electrolytes . According to the calculated Pugh's ratio, all compounds in this study except LiCB 11 H 12 are considered ductile. • The elastic moduli of four boron cluster solid electrolytes were measured. • Moduli values ranging from 8 to 13 GPa compare low with other solid electrolytes. • Calculations on the modulus agree with experiment and show similar trends. • Their hardness shows a higher plasticity index compared to other electrolytes. • Three of the four compounds are predicted to be ductile based on their Pugh's ratio.