Method and system for simultaneous mechanical and electrochemical testing of electrodes

A method of mechanical and electrochemical testing, the method comprising:

• securing a working electrode between a first grip and a second grip of a tensile frame;
• contacting the working electrode with an electrolyte disposed in an electrochemical cell;
• electrically coupling the working electrode to a potentiostat;
• coupling a counter electrode to the potentiostat;
• placing the counter electrode in the electrochemical cell such that the counter electrode is in contact with the electrolyte;
• and
• applying a potential difference to the working electrode and the counter electrode via the potentiostat;
• applying a stress to the working electrode via the tensile frame;
• measuring a strain experienced by the working electrode.

A method of sample preparation for mechanical and electrochemical testing, the method comprising:

• connecting, utilizing silver paste, a first wire to a first end of a working electrode;
• connecting, utilizing silver paste, a second wire to a second end of the working electrode;
• utilizing epoxy tabs to electrically insulate the first end and the second end of the working electrode and improve grip;
• connecting, utilizing silver paste, a third wire to a counter electrode;
• and
• applying an epoxy backing on the counter electrode to prevent degradation of the silver paste.