Accelerated Electrochemical Investigation of Li Plating Efficiency as Key Parameter for Li Metal Batteries Utilizing a Scanning Droplet Cell

The scanning droplet cell (SDC) allows for automatized electrochemical experiments leading to time-saving and reproducible experimental conditions. Its implementation for non-aqueous battery research is discussed, and the necessary adaptations to be operated inside an Ar-filled glovebox in complete absence of oxygen and moisture are described. Due to the importance of the use of Li metal electrodes for next-generation high-energy batteries, the complex multi-parameter optimisation of the Li plating/stripping processes are investigated by means of the SDC. In particular, the influence of pulsed Li plating protocols on the coulombic efficiency is evaluated. The results clearly show that fine tuning of the parameters of pulsed Li plating protocols, i. e. the relaxation period and Li plating duration, is required to improve Li plating efficiencies at high current densities.