Jingxuan Ding1,2,Mayanak Gupta1,3,Carolin Rosenbach4,Naresh Osti5,Douglas Abernathy5,Wolfgang Zeier4,Olivier Delaire1
Duke University1,Harvard University2,Bhabha Atomic Research Centre3,University of Münster4,Oak Ridge National Laboratory5
Jingxuan Ding1,2,Mayanak Gupta1,3,Carolin Rosenbach4,Naresh Osti5,Douglas Abernathy5,Wolfgang Zeier4,Olivier Delaire1
Duke University1,Harvard University2,Bhabha Atomic Research Centre3,University of Münster4,Oak Ridge National Laboratory5
A fundamental understanding of the atomic structure and dynamics enabling fast ionic transport in solids is essential for the development of next-generation solid-state electrolytes (SSE). Focusing on the promising SSE candidate Li<sub>6</sub>PS<sub>5</sub>Cl with argyrodite structure, we resolve the coupling between fast diffusion of Li<sup>+</sup> and vibrational dynamics of the host framework through extensive inelastic and quasielastic neutron scattering measurements, combined with machine-learned molecular dynamics (MLMD) simulations based on first-principles data. Our results establish that host lattice vibrations enable an order-of-magnitude increase in Li<sup>+</sup> diffusivity at ambient temperature. Our experiments and simulations both show a clear overlap and interplay of hopping dynamics and vibrational frequencies in the terahertz regime, with a continuous spectral evolution from harmonic phonons to strongly anharmonic overdamped vibrations, and fast Li<sup>+</sup> diffusion. We identify the key degrees-of-freedom enabling fast Li diffusion as low-frequency dynamics of PS<sub>4</sub><sup>3- </sup>polyanions, which are distinct from the commonly assumed "paddle-wheel" scenario. Bringing together neutron measurements and large-scale MLMD simulations, our results build a "beyond phonons" picture of complex atomic dynamics in SSEs in terms of overdamped spectral functions. These results offer microscopic insights into the mechanism of fast Li<sup>+</sup> diffusion in lithium argyrodites and provide guidance for the design of future SSE materials.