Thermally activated ionic conduction in LiNbO3 electrolyte thin films

An interlayer of metallic Li was formed between two layers of Li–Nb–O. Annealing of the structure results to diffusion of Li into the two layers of Li–Nb–O, improving the ionic conductivity. The thickness of the metallic interlayer is a crucial parameter, as well as the temperature and time of annealing. The substrate strongly influences the electrical and structural properties of the films. Stainless-steel/TiN substrate seems to improve considerably the ionic conductivity of the films, the relaxation time of which is similar to that of the Lipon electrolyte.