The Stanford Energy Seminar has been a mainstay of energy engagement at Stanford for nearly 20 years and is one of the flagship programs of the Precourt Institute for Energy. We aim to bring a wide variety of perspectives to the Stanford community – academics, entrepreneurs, utilities, non-profits, and more. 

Abstract: 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.

Bio: Tim Holme got his BS in Physics and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. After co-founding QuantumScape in 2010, he has served as the CTO where he learns alongside a world-class team dedicated to the mission of making advanced batteries that enable long-range, high-performance, mass-market electric vehicles. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-h-battery/

Anyone with an interest in energy is welcome to join! You can enjoy seminars in the following ways:

• Attend live. The auditorium may change quarter by quarter, so check each seminar event to confirm the location. Explore the current quarter's schedule.
• Watch live in a browser livestream if available. Check each seminar event for its unique livestream URL.
• Watch recordings of past seminars 
  • Available on the Past Energy Seminars page and the Energy Seminars playlist of the Stanford Energy YouTube channel
• (For students) Take the seminar as a 1-unit class (CEE 301/ENERGY 301/MS&E 494)

If you'd like to join the Stanford Energy Seminar mailing list to hear about upcoming talks, sign up here.