December 30, 2025
Journal Article
Decoupling Li Out-Diffusion and Surface Diffusion in the Lithiation-Assisted Epitaxial Growth of Lithium Tungstate
Abstract
Lithiation-assisted epitaxy offers a flexible and robust approach for synthesizing high-quality Li-containing materials and interfaces with precise control. In this study, we use lithium tungstate (LixWO3+x/2, where x = 0 to 2) as a model system to investigate the intertwined effects of Li out-diffusion-induced compositional changes and surface-diffusion-induced morphological changes. By systematically varying synthesis and processing conditions, we uncover their impact on lithium tungstate film formation. Comprehensive characterizations, including X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, reveal that low-temperature growth (Published: December 30, 2025