Defect processes in Li₂ZrO₃: insights from atomistic modelling

Lithium zirconate (Li₂ZrO₃) is an important material that is considered as an anode in lithium-ion batteries and as a nuclear reactor breeder material. The intrinsic defect processes and doping can impact its material properties. In the present study we employ density functional theory calculations to calculate the defect processes and doping in Li₂ZrO₃. Here we show that the lithium Frenkel is the dominant intrinsic defect process and that dopants substituting in the zirconium site strongly associate with oxygen vacancies. In particular, it is calculated that divalent dopants more strongly bind with oxygen vacancies, with trivalent dopants following in binding energies and even tetravalent dopands having significant binding energies. The results are discussed in view of the application of Li₂ZrO₃ in energy applications.