Method—A High-Throughput Technique for Unidirectional Critical Current Density Testing of Solid Electrolyte Materials

Work on solid electrolytes for rechargeable lithium-based batteries is motivated by the potential benefits of lithium-metal anodes for a variety of applications, including electric vehicles. Dendrite formation has been the key challenge preventing commercialization of rechargeable lithium-metal batteries, so establishing, validating, and improving the dendrite resistance of electrolytes is a key enabler of progress in the field. Typical symmetric cycling tests of Li-Li cells introduce operational and theoretical limitations which compromise the data produced and the conclusions which can be drawn from such testing. A high-throughput technique for unidirectional critical current density testing is presented which has allowed the development of a solid electrolyte capable of withstanding current densities of at least 300 mA cm −2 . The theoretical and empirical basis for this testing methodology is outlined, results are presented and analyzed, and best practices for critical current density testing of solid electrolyte materials are proposed.