Exploring Reproducible Nonaqueous Scanning Droplet Cell Electrochemistry in Model Battery Chemistries

The discovery and optimization of new materials for energy
storage
are essential for a sustainable future. High-throughput experimentation
(HTE) using a scanning droplet cell (SDC) is suitable for the rapid
screening of prospective material candidates and effective variation
of investigated parameters over a millimeter-scale area. Herein, we
explore the transition and challenges for SDC electrochemistry from
aqueous toward aprotic electrolytes and address pitfalls related to
reproducibility in such high-throughput systems. Specifically, we
explore whether reproducibilities comparable to those for millimeter
half-cells are achievable on the millimeter half-cell level than for
full cells. To study reproducibility in half-cells as a first screening
step, this study explores the selection of appropriate cell components,
such as reference electrodes (REs) and the use of masking techniques
for working electrodes (WEs) to achieve consistent electrochemically
active areas. Experimental results on a Li–Au model anode system
show that SDC, coupled with a masking approach and subsequent optical
microscopy, can mitigate issues related to electrolyte leakage and
yield good reproducibility. The proposed methodologies and insights
contribute to the advancement of high-throughput battery research,
enabling the discovery and optimization of future battery materials
with improved efficiency and efficacy.