Rechargeable battery with shape memory layer for added safety

Abstract

The battery cell may include a first electrode coupled to a first current collector, a second electrode coupled to a second current collector, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes. The battery cell may further include a current controller including one or more deformed shape memory effect (SME) materials. The SME materials may at least partially recover their original shapes in response to one or more stimuli. The current controller may be less conductive when the SME materials are in their original shapes than when the SME materials are in their deformed shapes, such that current flow in the battery cell decreases when the SME materials return to their original shapes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 377,513, filed September 28, 2022, and entitled "Rechargeable Battery with Shape Memory Layer for Enhanced Safety," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates generally to battery technology, and more specifically to shape memory material-based protection mechanisms for mitigating the hazards associated with overheating, internal short circuits, and overcharging of battery cells. [Background technology]

[0003] Metal-ion battery cells, such as lithium (Li)-ion battery cells, have high energy density and high current output, making them suitable for a variety of applications. However, metal-ion battery cells are susceptible to various hazards during operation. For example, overcharging and / or an internal short circuit can cause an overcurrent, which is an excessive current flow through the battery cell. An internal short circuit typically occurs when the separator, which electrically insulates the anode and cathode of a battery cell, fails, causing direct contact between the anode and cathode. In some cases, excessive mechanical loads, such as compressive shock, can damage the battery cell separator and distort the internal structure of the battery cell. Alternatively and / or additionally, separator failure can result from parasitic reactions that occur during normal charging and discharging of the battery cell. These parasitic reactions cause irregular accumulation of metal ions on the anode of the battery cell. If the resulting dendrites penetrate the separator and come into contact with the cathode of the battery cell, they can cause an internal short circuit.

[0004] Whether the result of overheating, overcharging, or an internal short circuit, excessive current can cause irreparable damage to battery cells. Furthermore, excessive current can lead to thermal runaway, a dangerous condition in which undissipated heat from an overcharged battery cell accelerates exothermic reactions within the battery cell, further exacerbating the rapid rise in battery cell temperature. The consequences of thermal runaway can be catastrophic, for example, causing combustion, explosion, and / or the like. In particular, failed metal-ion batteries that experience thermal runaway can release flammable gases, which can cause battery fires to spread particularly quickly and become difficult to contain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture including battery cells and battery cell components are provided. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, a battery cell is provided that includes a first electrode coupled to a first current collector, a second electrode coupled to a second current collector, a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes, and a current controller including one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials in a deformed configuration, the one or more SME materials at least partially recovering their original shapes in response to one or more stimuli, the current controller being less conductive when the one or more SME materials are in their original shapes than when the one or more SME materials are in their deformed configuration, such that a current flow in the battery cell decreases when the one or more SME materials recover their original shapes.

[0006] Some variations of the above-described systems, methods, and articles of manufacture can optionally include one or more of the following features in any workable combination.

[0007] In some variations, the current controller may be disposed on a surface of at least one of the first electrode, the first current collector, the second electrode, the second current collector, and / or the separator.

[0008] In some variations, the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may be a binder in which multiple particles of the active material and / or conductive material contained in the first electrode, second electrode, and / or separator are dispersed.

[0009] In some variations, one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may recover between 1% and 100% of their original shape.

[0010] In some variations, the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may include one or more of polyurethane (PU), epoxy, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PE), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0011] In some variations, one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may form 1% to 99% by weight of the current controller.

[0012] In some variations, one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may form 10% to 90% by weight of the current controller.

[0013] In some variations, one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may form 20% to 70% by weight of the current controller.

[0014] In some variations, the current controller may further include one or more metal salts.

[0015] In some variations, the one or more metal salts may include at least one organic salt.

[0016] In some variations, the at least one organic salt is a polyacid salt [—CR—(CR) 0-100 -COOM-] p , polymethacrylate [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -C(CR3)(COOM)-] p , polyacrylate salt [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR(COOM)-] p , polymethyl methacrylate [-CR(CR3)-(CR2) 0-100 -C(CR3)(COOM)-] p , polyol-M[-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR-OM-] p , polysulfide-M[-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR-SM-] p , organic silicate [-R2Si-O-SiR2-] p where M is selected from the group of metals including Li, Na, K, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ti, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn, and R is selected from H, —CH, —CHCH, and other organic substituents.

[0017] In some variations, the one or more metal salts may form between 1% and 99% by weight of the current controller.

[0018] In some variations, the one or more metal salts may form 10% to 90% by weight of the current controller.

[0019] In some variations, the one or more metal salts may form 20% to 70% by weight of the current controller.

[0020] In some variations, the current controller may further include one or more inorganic nanomaterials.

[0021] In some variations, the one or more inorganic nanomaterials may include a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, a metal oxide, a metal titanate, a metal silicate, and / or a metal phosphate.

[0022] In some variations, the one or more inorganic nanomaterials may form 0.1% to 98.9% by weight of the current controller.

[0023] In some variations, the one or more inorganic nanomaterials may form between 5% and 80% by weight of the current controller.

[0024] In some variations, the current controller may further include one or more conductive nano-additives.

[0025] In some variations, the one or more conductive nano-additives may include carbon nanomaterials, carbon fibers, and / or metal powders.

[0026] In some variations, the one or more conductive nanoadditives may form 0.1% to 20% by weight of the current controller.

[0027] In some variations, the one or more conductive nanoadditives may form 0.5% to 10% by weight of the current controller.

[0028] In some variations, the one or more stimuli may include the temperature, voltage, and / or current of the battery cell.

[0029] In some variations, the deformed shape of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may be associated with at least one of a different shape and different dimensions than the original shape of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials.

[0030] In some variations, the current controller may exhibit lower ionic conductivity and / or lower electronic conductivity when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in their original shape than when the one or more SME materials are in their deformed shape.

[0031] In some variations, each of the first and second current collectors may include a metal foil or a metallized polymer foil.

[0032] In some variations, the separator may be a polymeric or ceramic film.

[0033] In some variations, the battery cells may be metal ion battery cells.

[0034] In some variations, the battery cells may be cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, pouch cells, or button cells.

[0035] In some variations, the first electrode may be a positive electrode and the second electrode may be a negative electrode.

[0036] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. While certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter are described for illustrative purposes in connection with metal-ion battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims following this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, serve to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a battery cell, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a battery cell, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 1C] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a battery cell, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a shape memory effect (SME) material, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a shape memory effect (SME) material, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 2C] 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a shape memory effect (SME) material, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 shows chemical structures of an exemplary shape memory epoxy and an exemplary hardener, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 shows the chemical structure of an example of a shape memory polyurethane (PU), according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 5A] 10 shows a graph illustrating the charge and discharge profiles of a battery cell with a shape memory epoxy current controller disposed on the cathode current collector, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1 shows a graph illustrating the charge and discharge profiles of a battery cell with a shape memory polyurethane (PU) current controller disposed on the cathode current collector, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 5C] 1 shows a graph illustrating charge and discharge profiles of a battery cell with a cathode having a shape memory polyurethane (PU) binder, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5D] 10 shows a graph illustrating the charge and discharge profiles of a reference battery cell without a shape memory effect (SME) current controller, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6A] 10 shows a graph illustrating the thermal profile of a battery cell with a shape memory epoxy current controller disposed on the cathode current collector, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 6B]1 illustrates a graph showing the thermal profile of a battery cell with a shape memory polyurethane (PU) current controller disposed on the cathode current collector, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 6C] 1 shows a graph illustrating the thermal profile of a battery cell with a cathode having a shape memory polyurethane (PU) current binder, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6D] 10 illustrates a graph showing a thermal profile of a reference battery cell without a shape memory effect (SME) current controller, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Wherever practical, like reference numerals indicate like structures, features, or elements.

[0040] Battery cells may be overcharged, overheated, and / or short-circuited during operation. For example, if a battery cell is overcharged and / or an internal short circuit occurs, an overcurrent may occur in the battery cell. As mentioned above, in some cases, an internal short circuit may occur in a battery cell as a result of mechanical stress on the battery cell (e.g., a compressive shock) and / or the growth of dendrites that form a low-resistance path between the electrodes of the battery cell. On the other hand, for example, if an excessive current is passed through a battery cell when the battery cell is already fully charged, the battery cell may become overcharged. Whether the result is an internal short circuit or overcharging, overcurrent may cause irreparable damage to the battery cell. Overcurrent is often accompanied by excessive heat generation, which can lead to thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a particularly dangerous condition in which the temperature of the battery cell rises rapidly and uncontrollably, causing fire, explosion, and / or the like. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell may include one or more safety mechanisms to prevent overcurrent, thereby reducing and / or eliminating the dangers resulting from overheating, overcharging, and / or short-circuiting of the battery cell.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the one or more safety mechanisms may include a current controller that reduces or interrupts the flow of current within the battery cell when the temperature, current, and / or voltage of the battery cell meet one or more thresholds. Reducing or interrupting the flow of current when the battery cell reaches a threshold temperature, current, and / or voltage, such as a temperature, current, and / or voltage outside the battery cell's normal operating range, may reduce and / or eliminate hazards resulting from overheating, overcharging, and / or short circuits. However, if the battery cell's temperature, current, and / or voltage are within the normal operating range, the current controller should minimize its impact on the performance of the battery cell, including the charge and discharge rates of the battery cell. In particular, if the battery cell's temperature, current, and / or voltage are outside the normal operating range, the current controller may limit and / or interrupt the flow of current by at least increasing the resistivity within the battery cell. However, if the battery cell's temperature, current, and / or voltage are within the normal operating range, the presence of the current controller should minimize its impact on the resistivity of the battery cell. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, the current controller may be formed from one or more materials, such as a shape memory effect (SME) material, that increase the resistivity within the battery cell when the battery cell's temperature, current, and / or voltage are outside of their normal operating ranges. Otherwise, when the battery cell's temperature, current, and / or voltage are within their normal operating ranges, the presence of such materials may have minimal effect on the resistivity within the battery cell, maximizing the safety and performance profile of the battery cell. Shape memory effect (SME) materials can achieve structural changes greater than simple thermal expansion. Therefore, a shape memory effect (SME)-based current controller may be more effective at reducing and / or cutting off the flow of current within a battery cell when the battery cell is overcharged, overheated, and / or experiences an internal short circuit.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, a battery cell may include a current controller formed from one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials. As described in more detail below, a shape memory effect (SME) material may be deformed into a temporary shape and then return to its original shape when exposed to one or more stimuli. Thus, in some cases, the original shape of the current controller is associated with lower conductivity and / or higher resistivity, while the battery cell may be formed with the current controller deformed into a temporary configuration associated with higher conductivity and / or lower resistivity. When the temperature, current, and / or voltage of the battery cell are within a normal operating range, the current controller may remain in the temporary configuration, allowing current to flow through the battery cell with minimal resistance and / or maximum conductivity. In some cases, when exposed to one or more stimuli, such as a temperature, current, and / or voltage outside the normal operating range of the battery cell, the current controller may at least partially return to its original shape and respond by decreasing conductivity and / or increasing resistivity within the battery cell to limit and / or block current flow within the battery cell.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, a battery cell may include a first electrode (e.g., a positive electrode or cathode) coupled to a first current collector, a second electrode (e.g., a negative electrode or anode) coupled to a second current collector, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In some cases, a current controller including one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may be interposed between the first electrode and the first current collector and / or between the second electrode and the second current collector. Alternatively and / or additionally, a current controller including one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may be interposed between the separator and the first electrode or the second electrode of the battery cell. In some cases, a current controller including one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may be integrated with the separator rather than being a separate component within the battery cell. For example, a separator of a battery cell may be formed to include one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials, and the resulting shape memory effect (SME) separator may be interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode of the battery cell.

[0044] 1A-1C illustrate schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a battery cell 100 with a shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 according to embodiments of the present subject matter. In some embodiments of the present subject matter, the battery cell 100 may be a metal-ion battery cell, including, for example, a lithium (Li)-ion battery cell, a sodium (Na)-ion battery cell, an aluminum (Al)-ion battery cell, a potassium (K)-ion battery cell, and / or the like. Furthermore, the battery cell 100 may have a variety of different formats, including, for example, a cylindrical cell, a pouch-shaped cell, a prismatic cell, a button-shaped cell, and / or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the battery cell 100 may include a first electrode 120 coupled to a first current collector 125, a second electrode 140 coupled to a second current collector 145, and a separator 130 (e.g., a polymer film, a ceramic film, and / or the like) interposed between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 140. The first electrode 120 may have an opposite polarity to the second electrode 140. For example, in some cases, the first electrode 120 may be a positive electrode (or cathode) and the second electrode 140 may be a negative electrode (or anode). For example, in some cases, the first electrode 120 may be a negative electrode (or anode) and the second electrode 140 may be a positive electrode (or cathode). The first current collector 125 and the second current collector 145, which function as electrical conductors between the electrodes and an external circuit, may be formed from metal foils (e.g., copper (Cu) foil, aluminum (Al) foil, iron (Fe) foil, titanium (Ti) foil, nickel (Ni) foil, carbon (C) foil, stainless steel foil, and / or the like) and / or metallized polymer foils.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, a shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may be disposed on one or both surfaces of the first electrode 120, the first current collector 125, the separator 130, the second electrode 140, and / or the second current collector 145. To further illustrate, FIG. 1A shows an example of a battery cell 100 in which the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is interposed between the first electrode 120 and the first current collector 125. It should be understood that alternatively and / or additionally, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may also be interposed between the second electrode 140 and the second current collector 145. In the example of the battery cell 100 shown in FIG. 1B, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is interposed between the first electrode 120 and the separator 130. Alternatively and / or additionally, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may be interposed between the separator 130 and the second electrode 140. In some cases, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may be integrated with the separator 130 or configured to function as a separator in place of the separator 130. In an example of this structure shown in FIG. 1C , the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is interposed between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 140 of the battery cell 100. In some cases, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may also be integrated with the first electrode 120 and / or the second electrode 140. For example, in some cases, first electrode 120 and / or second electrode 140 may be formed by coating a corresponding active material with one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials, where first electrode 120 and / or second electrode 140 include particles of active material interspersed within one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may include one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials. For example, in some cases, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may include 1% to 99% by weight, 10% to 99% by weight, or 20% to 70% by weight of one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials. In some cases, the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials may include at least one polymer having a shape memory effect. Such polymers include polyurethane (PU), epoxy, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PE), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and / or the like. Examples of shape memory effect (SME) materials include shape memory polyurethane (PU) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory epoxy polymer (EP) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polylactic acid (PLA) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyacrylate (PA) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyethylene oxide (PEO) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory biodegradable polymers and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyester (PE) and nanocomposites thereof, shape memory polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanocomposites thereof, and / or the like. Additional examples of shape memory effect (SME) materials are listed in Table 1 below.

[0047] [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 can include one or more metal salts in addition to one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials. In some examples, the one or more metal salts can include at least one organic salt. For example, a polyacid salt [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -COOM-] p , polymethacrylate [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -C(CR3)(COOM)-] p , polyacrylate salt [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR(COOM)-] p , polymethyl methacrylate [-CR(CR3)-(CR2) 0-100 -C(CR3)(COOM)-] p , polyol-M[-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR-OM-] p , polysulfide-M[-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR-SM-] p , organic silicate [-R2Si-O-SiR2-] p where M is selected from the group of metals including Li, Na, K, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ti, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn, and R is selected from H, —CH3, —CH2CH3, and other organic substituents. Further, in some cases, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 can include 1% to 99% by weight, 10% to 90% by weight, or 20% to 70% by weight of one or more metal salts.

[0049] In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may also include one or more inorganic nanomaterials. For example, in some cases, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may include 0.1% to 98.9% by weight or 5% to 80% by weight of one or more inorganic nanomaterials. Further, in some cases, the one or more inorganic nanomaterials may include at least one inorganic nanomaterial having at least one dimension less than 500 nanometers. Alternatively and / or additionally, the one or more inorganic nanomaterials may include at least one inorganic nanomaterial having at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers. Examples of the one or more inorganic nanomaterials include metal carbonates (e.g., Li2CO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3, CaCO3, BeCO3, MgCO3, SrCO3, BaCO3, FeCO3), metal hydrogen carbonates (e.g., LiHCO3, NaHCO3, KHCO3, CsHCO3, Ca(HCO3)2, Mg(HCO3)2), metal oxides (e.g., CaO, MgO, SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, CuO, SnO2, GeO2, Co3O4, ZnO), metal titanates (e.g., , Li2TiO3, CaTiO3, MgTiO3, BaTiO3, ZnTiO3), metal silicates (e.g., Li2SiO3, Na2SiO3, MgSiO3, CaSiO3, FeSO3, MnSiO3, K2SiO3, Zn2SiO4, Mg2SiO4, Fe2SiO4, Mn2SiO4, ZrSiO4, Be2SiO4), metal phosphates (e.g., FePO4, Ca3(PO4)2, Na3PO4, Li3PO4, LiFePO4, NaFePO4) and / or the like.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, in addition to the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials, the SME current controller 110 may also include one or more conductive nano-additives. For example, in some cases, the SME current controller 110 may include 0.1 wt % to 20 wt % or 0.5 wt % to 10 wt % of the one or more conductive nano-additives. Further, in some cases, the one or more conductive nano-additives may include at least one conductive nano-additive having at least one dimension less than 500 nanometers. Alternatively and / or additionally, the one or more conductive nano-additives may include at least one conductive nano-additive having at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers. Examples of the one or more conductive nano-additives include carbon nanomaterials and carbon fibers (e.g., graphene, graphene oxide, carbon black, single-walled / multi-walled carbon nanotubes), metal powders (e.g., copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), magnesium (Mg)), and combinations thereof.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may transition between an original shape (e.g., an original shape, one or more original dimensions, and / or the like) and a temporary configuration (e.g., a temporary shape, one or more temporary dimensions, and / or the like). In some cases, the battery cell 100 may be formed with the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 deformed into the temporary shape. For example, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may be exposed to low temperatures and / or high pressures during formation of the battery cell 100, such as during a calendaring process to form the first electrode 120 and / or second electrode 140 of the battery cell 100, which causes the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 to transition from its original shape to the temporary shape. While the temperature, current, and / or voltage of the battery cell 100 are within normal operating ranges, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may remain in the temporary configuration. However, upon exposure to one or more stimuli, such as when the temperature, current, and / or voltage of the battery cell meet one or more thresholds, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may at least partially return to its original shape. That is, upon exposure to one or more stimuli, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may return to recovering in a range of 1% to 100% of its original shape. For example, in some cases, the temperature of the battery cell 100 may increase when the battery cell 100 is overcharged and / or an internal short circuit occurs. The shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may be activated to include the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 recovering its original shape when the temperature of the battery cell 100 exceeds a certain threshold.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 in its original configuration may exhibit lower conductivity and / or higher resistivity than the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 in its temporary configuration. Thus, while the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is in its temporary configuration, it may allow current to flow with maximum conductivity and / or minimum resistivity, but may restrict or interrupt this current flow once the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 has at least partially returned to its original configuration.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may transition between its original shape and a temporary shape due to a phase change in the underlying crystalline structure of the constituent shape memory effect (SME) material. For example, while the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is in its original shape, the molecules of the shape memory effect (SME) material may be in the alpha phase, in which the molecules are in an organized crystalline state supported by partial hydrogen bonds. However, upon exposure to certain stimuli, such as temperature, a magnetic field, an electric field, light, moisture, acidity or alkalinity, redox reactions, enzymes, or mechanical load, these partial hydrogen bonds may be broken, causing the molecules of the shape memory effect (SME) material to transition to the beta phase, in which the molecules are randomly arranged in a glassy state. To further illustrate, FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a shape memory effect (SME) material 200 transitioning between its original shape associated with a less dense structure with lower electronic conductivity and / or lower ionic conductivity and a deformed shape associated with a denser structure with higher electronic conductivity and / or higher ionic conductivity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A , the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 may change from its original shape to a deformed shape when exposed to an external force. Furthermore, the deformed shape of the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 may return to its original shape when exposed to a specific stimulus, such as excessive temperature, voltage, current, and / or the like. While the embodiment of the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 changes thickness as the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 transitions between its original shape and its deformed shape, FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 in which the transition between its original shape and its deformed shape manifests as a change in shape of the shape memory effect (SME) material 200.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, a shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 formed from a shape memory effect (SME) material 200 may exhibit a higher level of electronic and / or ionic conductivity when the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 is in a temporary (or deformed) shape than when the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 is in its original shape. This is because, at least, the conductive paths present when the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 is in its temporary (or deformed) shape are reduced or eliminated when the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 is in its original shape. To further illustrate, FIG. 2C shows a schematic diagram of an example of a shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 having particles of active material 250 interspersed among the shape memory effect (SME) material 200. When the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is disposed on one or both sides of the first current collector 125 and / or second current collector 145, the active material 250 may be an electronically conductive material. In contrast, when the shape memory effect (SME) controller 110 is interposed between the first current collector 120 and the second current collector 140, the active material 250 may be an ionically conductive material. As shown in FIG. 2C , the conductive paths (e.g., electrons, ions, and / or the like) that existed while the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 was in its temporary (or deformed) shape are reduced or eliminated when the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 is in its original shape. Thus, when the shape memory effect (SME) material 200 at least partially returns to its original shape, the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 may limit and / or block the flow of current within the battery cell 100 by at least limiting and / or blocking the flow of ions and / or electrons through the battery cell 100.

[0055] Table 2 below shows the shape change of an epoxy-based shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 and a polyurethane (PU)-based shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110. In the examples shown in Table 2, the shape change exhibited by the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 is quantified as the change in thickness of the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 after attaining a temporary shape through a calendaring process and the change in thickness of the shape memory effect (SME) current controller 110 after returning to its original shape under a heating stimulus. Table 2 also shows the concurrent change in resistance (e.g., through-plane resistance of a 5 centimeter by 5 centimeter sheet), which corresponds to the degree to which the shape memory effect (SME) restricts the flow of current through the battery cell 100.

[0056] [Table 2]

[0057] Battery Cell I Example: The battery cell I example includes a shape-memory epoxy polymer (EP) applied to a cathode current collector. The cathode for the battery cell I example is formed by mixing epoxy E51 (poly(bisphenol A-co-epichlorohydrin) (Figure 3(A)), glycidyl end-capped) with N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) until the epoxy is completely dissolved. Next, Super P nanopowder is added to the mixture and mixed at high speed to ensure uniform dispersion. A hardener such as 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (Figure 3(B)) is mixed with N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) until it is completely dissolved. The two mixtures are combined and further mixed until uniformly dispersed. The final composition of the resulting epoxy slurry includes 66% epoxy, 29% hardener, and 5% Super P. The solids content of the epoxy slurry is 15% by weight. The epoxy slurry is applied to an aluminum foil, for example, by a gravure rod, and then dried to evaporate the N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). The same process can be repeated to coat the other side of the aluminum foil with the same epoxy slurry. The epoxy is cured to 90% and reaches a trigger temperature in the range of 100-130°C.

[0058] A cathode material slurry was applied to an aluminum (Al) foil coated with a dried epoxy slurry. The cathode slurry consisted of 98% lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO) (LCO), 1% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and 1% conductive additive. The surface loading of the cathode layer was controlled at approximately 20 milligrams per square centimeter on both sides, and the calendered compact density was approximately 4.1 grams per cubic centimeter. A 2000 milliampere-hour (mAh) pouch cell was fabricated containing the aforementioned cathode to evaluate safety performance, for example, compared with a reference battery cell without a shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism.

[0059] Battery Cell II Example: Battery Cell II example includes a shape memory polyurethane (PU) applied to the cathode current collector. The cathode of the battery cell II example is formed by mixing poly(4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate)-alt-1,4-butanediol / di(propylene glycol) / polycaprolactone) (Figure 4) with N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) until completely dissolved. Next, Super P nanopowder is added to the mixture and mixed at high speed until uniformly dispersed. Then, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanopowder is added to the mixture and mixed at high speed until uniformly dispersed. The final composition of the polyurethane slurry is 85% polyurethane, 10% calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and 5% Super P. The solids content of the polyurethane (PU) slurry is 5.88 wt% before coating. This polyurethane (PU) slurry is then coated onto aluminum (Al) foil, for example, by a gravure rod, and dried at 120 °C to evaporate the N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP). The same process is repeated to coat the other side of the aluminum (Al) foil with the same polyurethane (PU) slurry.

[0060] A cathode material slurry was applied to an aluminum (Al) foil coated with a dried epoxy slurry. The cathode slurry consisted of 98% lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO) (LCO), 1% polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and 1% conductive additive. The surface loading of the cathode layer was controlled at approximately 20 milligrams per square centimeter on both sides, and the calendered compact density was approximately 4.1 grams per cubic centimeter. A 2000 milliampere-hour (mAh) pouch cell was fabricated containing the aforementioned cathode to evaluate safety performance, for example, compared with a reference battery cell without a shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism.

[0061] Example Battery Cell III: Example Battery Cell III includes a shape-memory polyurethane (PU) combined with a cathode material. Specifically, particles of the cathode material can be dispersed within poly(4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate)-alt-1,4-butanediol / di(propylene glycol) / polycaprolactone), which acts as a binder to coat the particles of the cathode material. The poly(4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate)-alt-1,4-butanediol / di(propylene glycol) / polycaprolactone) is gradually dissolved in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), after which conductive nano-additive powder is added to the solution and mixed at high speed until uniformly dispersed. Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO) powder is then added to the solution and mixed until uniformly dispersed. The resulting cathode slurry is cast onto bare aluminum (Al) foil to form the cathode. The cathode composition is 98% lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO) (LCO), 1% polyurethane (PU), and 1% conductive additive. The area loading of the cathode layer is controlled at approximately 20 milligrams per square centimeter on both sides, while the density of the calendered compact is approximately 4.1 grams per cubic centimeter. A 2000 milliampere-hour (mAh) pouch cell is fabricated containing the aforementioned cathode to evaluate safety performance, for example, compared with a reference battery cell without a shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism.

[0062] Table 3 shows a comparison of the change in resistivity of the cathodes of Example Battery Cell I, Example Battery Cell II, Example Battery Cell III, and the reference electrode (without the SME-based safety mechanism) before and after exposure to a stimulus (e.g., heat). The results shown in Table 3 are consistent with the fact that SME materials, such as epoxy and polyurethane, can achieve larger shape changes when recovering their original shape than simple thermal expansion. Therefore, the shape change of SME materials is accompanied by a more significant increase in the internal resistance of battery cells incorporating SME-based current controllers.

[0063] [Table 3]

[0064] Table 4 compares the cell performance and nail penetration test results for Example Battery Cell I, Example Battery Cell II, Example Battery Cell III, and the reference battery cell (without a shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism). As shown in Table 4, all three battery cells equipped with the SME-based current controller passed the nail penetration test, indicating a significant improvement in the safety profile of the battery cells. In particular, the impedance of the battery cell equipped with the SME-based current controller increased after nail penetration in response to the rapid temperature rise caused by the short circuit created by the nail penetration and the concomitant energy release. This temperature rise activates the SME material, causing it to return to its original shape. This is associated with an increase in resistivity and / or a decrease in conductivity. Therefore, the SME material limits and / or blocks the flow of current within the battery cell, reducing the energy release associated with the short circuit and preventing thermal runaway of the battery cell.

[0065] [Table 4]

[0066] 5A-5D are graphs showing the charge and discharge profiles of example battery cell I (with a shape memory epoxy current controller disposed on the cathode current collector), example battery cell II (with a shape memory polyurethane (PU) current controller disposed on the cathode current collector), example battery cell III (with a shape memory polyurethane (PU) binder in the cathode), and a reference battery cell (without a shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism). As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the battery cells with the shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism exhibit charge and discharge profiles similar to those of the reference battery cell. This comparison demonstrates that in the absence of a stimulus and when the SME material remains in its temporary (or deformed) shape, the presence of the SME material has minimal effect on the charge and discharge rates of the battery cells.

[0067] Figures 6A-6D show graphs illustrating the results of nail penetration tests for example battery cell I (with a shape memory epoxy current controller disposed on the cathode current collector), example battery cell II (with a shape memory polyurethane (PU) current controller disposed on the cathode current collector), example battery cell III (with a shape memory polyurethane (PU) binder in the cathode), and a reference battery cell (without a shape memory effect (SME)-based safety mechanism). The graphs shown in Figures 6A-6D correspond to the thermal profiles of the corresponding battery cells during the nail penetration tests. As shown in Figures 6A-6C, example battery cells I, II, and III passed the nail penetration tests, with each battery cell exhibiting only a slight voltage drop and a slight temperature rise. This is consistent with the shape memory epoxy current controller interrupting the flow of current and preventing significant energy release and temperature rise. In contrast, Figure 6D shows that the voltage of the reference battery cell immediately dropped, and the temperature of the reference battery cell rose sharply, resulting in an explosion.

[0068] In consideration of implementing the above-described subject matter, the present application discloses the following list of examples, wherein one feature of an example alone or multiple features of the aforementioned examples in combination, and optionally with one or more features of one or more additional examples, constitutes a further example within the scope of the present application disclosure.

[0069] Item 1: A battery cell including: a first electrode coupled to a first current collector; a second electrode coupled to a second current collector; a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a current controller including one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials in a deformed form, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials at least partially recover their original shapes in response to one or more stimuli, and the current controller is less conductive when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in their original shapes than when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in their deformed forms, such that a current in the battery cell decreases when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials recover their original shapes.

[0070] Item 2: The battery cell of item 1, wherein the current controller is disposed on at least one surface of the first electrode, the first current collector, the second electrode, the second current collector, and / or the separator.

[0071] Item 3: The battery cell of either item 1 or 2, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are a binder in which multiple particles of an active material and / or a conductive material contained in the first electrode, the second electrode, and / or the separator are dispersed.

[0072] Item 4: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials recover 1% to 100% of their original shape.

[0073] Item 5: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials include one or more of polyurethane (PU), epoxy, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PE), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0074] Item 6: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are contained in an amount of 1% to 99% by weight of the current controller.

[0075] Item 7: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are included in 10% to 90% by weight of the current controller.

[0076] Item 8: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are included in 20% to 70% by weight of the current controller.

[0077] Item 9: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the current controller further comprises one or more metal salts.

[0078] Item 10: The battery cell of item 9, wherein the one or more metal salts include at least one organic salt.

[0079] Item 11: At least one organic salt is a polyacid salt [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -COOM-] p , polymethacrylate [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -C(CR3)(COOM)-] p , polyacrylate salt [-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR(COOM)-] p , polymethyl methacrylate [-CR(CR3)-(CR2)0-100 -C(CR3)(COOM)-] p , polyol-M[-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR-OM-] p , polysulfide-M[-CR2-(CR2) 0-100 -CR-SM-] p , organic silicate [-R2Si-O-SiR2-] p wherein M is selected from the group of metals including Li, Na, K, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ti, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn; and R is selected from H, —CH, —CHCH, and other organic substituents.

[0080] Item 12: The battery cell according to any one of Items 9 to 11, wherein the one or more metal salts are contained in an amount of 1% to 99% by weight of the current controller.

[0081] Item 13: The battery cell according to any one of Items 9 to 11, wherein the one or more metal salts are contained in an amount of 10% to 90% by weight of the current controller.

[0082] Item 14: The battery cell according to any one of Items 9 to 11, wherein the one or more metal salts are contained in an amount of 20% to 70% by weight of the current controller.

[0083] Item 15: The battery cell of any of items 1 to 14, wherein the current controller further comprises one or more inorganic nanomaterials.

[0084] Item 16. The battery cell of item 15, wherein the one or more inorganic nanomaterials include a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, a metal oxide, a metal titanate, a metal silicate, and / or a metal phosphate.

[0085] Item 17: The battery cell according to any one of Items 15 to 16, wherein the one or more inorganic nanomaterials are contained in an amount of 0.1% by weight to 98.9% by weight of the current controller.

[0086] Item 18: The battery cell according to any one of Items 15 to 16, wherein the one or more inorganic nanomaterials are contained in an amount of 5% to 80% by weight of the current controller.

[0087] Item 19: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the current controller further comprises one or more conductive nano-additives.

[0088] Item 20: The battery cell of item 19, wherein the one or more conductive nano additives include carbon nanomaterials, carbon fibers, and / or metal powders.

[0089] Item 21: The battery cell according to any one of items 19 to 20, wherein the one or more conductive nano-additives are contained in an amount of 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight of the current controller.

[0090] Item 22: The battery cell according to any one of Items 19 to 20, wherein the one or more conductive nano-additives are contained in an amount of 0.5% by weight to 10% by weight of the current controller.

[0091] Item 23: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 22, wherein the one or more stimuli include a temperature, a voltage, and / or a current of the battery cell.

[0092] Item 24: The battery cell of any of items 1 to 23, wherein the deformed shape of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials is associated with at least one of a different shape and different dimensions from the original shape of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials.

[0093] Item 25: The battery cell of any of items 1 to 24, wherein the current controller exhibits lower ionic conductivity and / or lower electronic conductivity when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in their original shapes than when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in their deformed shapes.

[0094] Item 26: The battery cell of any of items 1 to 25, wherein each of the first current collector and the second current collector comprises a metal foil or a metallized polymer foil.

[0095] Item 27: The battery cell according to any one of Items 1 to 26, wherein the separator is a polymer film or a ceramic film.

[0096] Item 28: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 27, wherein the battery cell is a metal ion battery cell.

[0097] Item 29: The battery cell according to any one of items 1 to 28, wherein the battery cell is a cylindrical cell, a prismatic cell, a pouch cell, or a button cell.

[0098] Item 30: The battery cell according to any one of Items 1 to 29, wherein the first electrode is a positive electrode and the second electrode is a negative electrode.

[0099] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may occur where followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. Also, the term "and / or" may occur with a list of two or more elements or features. Unless implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context of use, such phrases are intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any of the other elements or features listed. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B," "one or more of A and B," and "A and / or B" are intended to mean "A only, B only, or A and B together," respectively. A similar interpretation is also intended for lists containing more than two items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, and / or C" are intended to mean "A only, B only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or both A, B, and C," respectively. Use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on," allowing for unrecited features or elements.

[0100] The subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, devices, methods, and / or articles, depending on the desired configuration. The embodiments set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all embodiments consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. While several variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, additional features and / or variations may be provided in addition to those described herein. For example, the embodiments described above may be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and / or combinations and subcombinations of several additional features disclosed above. Additionally, the logic flow illustrated in the accompanying figures and / or described herein does not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequential order to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a battery cell, A first electrode coupled to a first current collector, A second electrode coupled to a second current collector, A separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, A battery cell comprising a current controller containing one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials in a deformed form, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials at least partially recover their original shape in response to one or more stimuli, and the current controller such that the conductivity of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials is lower when they are in their original shape than when they are in the deformed form, so that when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials recover their original shape, the current in the battery cell decreases.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the current controller is disposed on at least one surface of the first electrode, the first current collector, the second electrode, the second current collector, and / or the separator.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) material is a binder in which a plurality of particles of active material and / or conductive material contained in the first electrode, the second electrode, and / or the separator are dispersed.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials recover 1% to 100% of the original shape.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials include one or more of polyurethane (PU), epoxy, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester (PE), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are contained in 1% to 99% by weight of the current controller.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are contained in 10% to 90% by weight of the current controller.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, comprising a battery cell in which the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are contained in 20% to 70% by weight of the current controller.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the current controller further comprises one or more metal salts.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein the one or more metal salts include at least one organic salt.

11. The at least one organic salt is a polyacid salt [-CR ２ -(CR ２ ) ０－１００ -COOM-] ｐ , a polymethacrylate salt [-CR ２ -(CR ２ ) ０－１００ -C(CR ３ )(COOM)-] ｐ , a polyacrylate salt [-CR ２ -(CR ２ ) ０－１００ -CR(COOM)-] ｐ , a polymethyl methacrylate salt [-CR(CR ３ )-(CR ２ ) ０－１００ -C(CR ３ )(COOM)-] ｐ , a polyol-M [-CR ２ -(CR ２ ) ０－１００ -CR-OM-] ｐ , a polysulfide-M [-CR ２ -(CR ２ ) ０－１００ -CR-SM-] ｐ , or an organic silicate [-R ２ Si-O-SiR ２ -] ｐ wherein M is selected from the group of metals including Li, Na, K, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ti, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Sr and Zn, and R is selected from H, -CH ３ , -CH ２ CH ３ and other organic substituents. The battery cell according to claim 10.

12. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein one or more of the metal salts are contained in 1% to 99% by weight of the current controller.

13. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein one or more of the metal salts are contained in 10% to 90% by weight of the current controller.

14. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein one or more of the metal salts are contained in 20% to 70% by weight of the current controller.

15. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising one or more inorganic nanomaterials as the current controller.

16. The battery cell according to claim 15, wherein the one or more inorganic nanomaterials include a metal carbonate, a metal bicarbonate, a metal oxide, a metal titanate, a metal silicate, and / or a metal phosphate.

17. The battery cell according to claim 15, wherein the one or more inorganic nanomaterials are contained in 0.1% to 98.9% by weight of the current controller.

18. The battery cell according to claim 15, wherein one or more inorganic nanomaterials are contained in 5% to 80% by weight of the current controller.

19. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising one or more conductive nanoadditives in the current controller.

20. The battery cell according to claim 19, wherein the one or more conductive nanoadditives include carbon nanomaterials, carbon fibers, and / or metal powders.

21. The battery cell according to claim 19, wherein the one or more conductive nanoadditives are contained in 0.1% to 20% by weight of the current controller.

22. The battery cell according to claim 19, wherein the one or more conductive nanoadditives are contained in 0.5% to 10% by weight of the current controller.

23. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the one or more stimuli include the temperature, voltage, and / or current of the battery cell.

24. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the deformed shape of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials is associated with at least one of a shape and dimensions different from the original shape of the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials.

25. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the current controller exhibits lower ionic conductivity and / or lower electronic conductivity when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in their original shape than when the one or more shape memory effect (SME) materials are in the deformed shape.

26. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein each of the first current collector and the second current collector includes a metal foil or a metallized polymer foil.

27. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the separator is a polymer film or a ceramic film.

28. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell is a metal ion battery cell.

29. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell is a cylindrical cell, a prismatic cell, a pouch-shaped cell, or a button-shaped cell.

30. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is a positive electrode and the second electrode is a negative electrode.

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