Abstract: Systems and methods for applying pressure to electrochemical devices are generally described. In some aspects, batteries including an electrochemical cell and an associated deformable solid are provided. The deformable solid may be configured to apply an anisotropic force (e.g., during cycling), which may improve the performance and/or durability of the electrochemical cell. In some instances (for example, in certain cases where the deformable solid includes a piezoelectric array and/or an electroactive polymer), the battery may be able to make dynamic adjustments to a pressure experienced by the electrochemical cell (e.g., based on signals from a pressure sensor). The systems and methods described herein can, in some instances, provide for relatively uniform pressure distributions across an electrochemical cell and/or throughout a stack of multiple electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Clamps for electrochemical cells and related systems and methods are generally described. In some embodiments, a clamp system can apply a compressive clamp force to reinforce a contact between first and second portions of a container of an electrochemical cell (e.g., to reinforce a seal of an electrochemical cell pouch). In some embodiments, a clamp system can apply a compressive clamp force to reinforce electronic communication between an electrode tab and an electrode tab extension. Application of such compressive clamp forces via a clamp may assist with maintaining integrity of contacts (e.g., seals, electrode tab connections) under challenging conditions such as during testing of the electrochemical cell (e.g., at elevated temperatures) and/or during shipping.

Abstract: Methods for electrically coupling electrode portions within electrochemical devices, and associated articles and systems, are generally described. In some cases, an electrically non-conductive layer is between multiple electrode portions that are to be coupled. In some cases, the method comprises penetrating the article to establish electrical coupling between the electrode portions previously separated by the electrically non-conductive layer.

Abstract: Articles containing electrodes and current collectors arranged such that at least one electrode can be electronically isolated from other components of the article and/or an electrochemical device, and associated systems and methods, are provided. In some cases, the articles contain substrates for which a change in volume of the substrate causes at least one electrode to become electronically isolated from other components of the article and/or an electrochemical device. In certain cases, heating the substrate causes the change in volume of the substrate. Articles and electrochemical devices containing electrodes, current collectors, heaters, and/or sensors and associated systems and methods, are also provided. Electrochemical devices containing electrodes and current collectors arranged in a folded configuration, and associated articles, systems and methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying pressure to electrochemical devices are generally described. In some aspects, batteries including an electrochemical cell and an associated deformable solid are provided. The deformable solid may be configured to apply an anisotropic force (e.g., during cycling), which may improve the performance and/or durability of the electrochemical cell. In some instances (for example, in certain cases where the deformable solid includes a piezoelectric array and/or an electroactive polymer), the battery may be able to make dynamic adjustments to a pressure experienced by the electrochemical cell (e.g., based on signals from a pressure sensor). The systems and methods described herein can, in some instances, provide for relatively uniform pressure distributions across an electrochemical cell and/or throughout a stack of multiple electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Methods for electrically coupling electrode portions within electrochemical devices, and associated articles and systems, are generally described. In some cases, an electrically non-conductive layer is between multiple electrode portions that are to be coupled. In some cases, the method comprises penetrating the article to establish electrical coupling between the electrode portions previously separated by the electrically non-conductive layer.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices containing electrodes and current collectors arranged in a folded configuration, and associated articles, systems and methods, are provided. In some cases, the electrochemical device contains one or more continuous components, such as a continuous electrode, current collector, separator, and/or substrate. In some cases, the electrochemical device is constructed and arranged to apply an anisotropic force (e.g., in a direction normal to an anode active surface). In certain cases, the electrochemical device contains an oversized anode.