Devices, systems, and methods for improving electrolyte wetting

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for improving filling and / or wetting of electrolyte to electrodes and / or separator of an energy device during the production of the energy device.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING ELECTROLYTEWETTINGCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 608,715, filed December 11, 2023, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The surge in global demand for energy over the last decades has spurred a concurrent demand for high -capacity and long-lasting energy devices to meet present and future global energy demand.

[0003] Electrolyte filling and / or wetting in an energy device, e.g., of porous electrodes and / or separator, is crucial for performance, such as charge and discharge qualities, as well as lifetime of the energy device. Insufficient electrolyte wetting of porous electrodes may lead to irregular reactions in the electrodes and unstable formation of the solid -electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer between the electrolyte and the electrodes. Insufficient electrolyte wetting may result in underutilization of electrode capacity and increase electrode resistance. In addition, insufficient electrolyte wetting may lead to dendrite formation in the energy device, causing severe safety issues. Current methods of electrolyte wetting may require several days and / or elevated temperatures to ensure electrolyte permeation into electrodes and / or separator of the energy device. New methods and systems to enhance the electrolyte filling and / or wetting are needed.SUMMARY

[0004] An acoustic module for improving electrolyte filing and / or wetting of an energy device (e.g., a battery) is disclosed. The acoustic module can include an acoustic device. The acoustic device can include an acoustic wave generator capable of generating acou stic waves that can facilitate electrolyte diffusion, and mitigate inhomogeneous distribution of electrolyte that may deleteriously impact battery performance. The acoustic module or acoustic device can be internal or external to the energy device, which can be a cell, a battery, a battery module, or a battery pack. The acoustic module or acoustic device can be integrated into an energy system in a cost-effective and flexible manner for improving the manufacturing efficiency and quality . Additionally, the acoustic module or acoustic device may be integrated into or with one or more energy devices, which can be scaled into energy systems.

[0005] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an acoustic module comprising: at least one acoustic device configured to be operably coupled to the energy device, wherein the at least one acoustic device comprises an acoustic wave generator configured to generate and streamacoustic waves into the energy device, to improve wetting and / or filling of an electrolyte with (i) a separator and / or (ii) one or more electrodes in the energy device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves are configured to set the electrolyte in motion, which causes the electrolyte to fill or seep into pores or porous spaces within the one or more electrodes in the energy device. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte facilitates formation of a homogenous or uniform stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer at an interface between (i) the electrolyte and (ii) the separator and / or the one or more electrodes. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte facilitates formation of a homogenous or uniform stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer at an interface between (i) the electrolyte and (ii) the cathode. In some embodiments, an improvement in the electrolyte wetting is characterized at least in part by a reduction in wetting time that the electrolyte takes to wet the one or more electrodes and / or the separator. In some embodiments, the reduction in wetting time ranges from about 0.01% to about 99.9% compared to electrolyte wetting without use of the acoustic module. In some embodiments, the reduction in wetting time is characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in less than about 0.02 hours to 24 hours, wherein the energy device has a capacity ranging from 1 pWh to 1 MWh. In some embodiments, the reduction in wetting time is characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in less than 1 hour, wherein the energy device has a capacity of at least 1 Wh. In some embodiments, the reduction in wetting time is agnostic to chemistry and / or geometry of the energy device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the energy device comprises one or more electrochemical cells having different cell chemistries, and wherein the reduction in wetting time is observable or achievable across the one or more electrochemical cells having the different cell chemistries. In some embodiments, an improvement in the electrolyte wetting is characterized at least in part by an improved electrolyte filling rate of a plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes and / or the separator. In some embodiments, the improved electrolyte filling rate comprises the electrolyte filling at least 95% of the plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes in less than 20 minutes. In some embodiments, the improved electrolyte filling rate comprises the electrolyte filling at least 80% of the plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes in less than 20 minutes. In some embodiments, the plurality of pores or porous spaceshave a range of sizes and / or shapes. In some embodiments, the sizes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces range from about 1 nanometer (nm) to about 500 micrometers (pm). In some embodiments, the shapes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces include regular shapes and / or irregular shapes. In some embodiments, the plurality of pores orporous spaces have a spatial distribution density ranging from about 10 to about 1000 pores per unit volume. In some embodiments, the improved electrolyte filling rate is agnostic to an electrochemical cell chemistry and / or geometry of the energy device. In some embodiments, the energy device comprises one or more electrochemical cells having different cell chemistries, and wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate is observable or achievable across the one or more electrochemical cells having the different cell chemistries. In some embodiments, the improved electrolyte filling rate is achieved without using a pressure profile process to activate capillary effect of the electrolyte in the plurality of pores or porous spaces. In some embodiments, the energy device has a first bulk impedance that is lower than a second bulk impedance of a comparable energy device without having at least one acoustic device coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the first bulk impedance is about 1% to 99% lower than the second bulk impedance. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without using a pressure profile to activate capillary effect of the electrolyte in the cell. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without requiring addition of one or more wetting agents to the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without requiring wetting at elevated temperatures greater than 30 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved at ambient temperature and pressure. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without altering one or more chemical properties of the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without introducing parasitic reactions at an interface between the electrolyte and the one or more electrodes. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved across a range of viscosities for the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the viscosities range from about 0.1 to about 50 cP.

[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device comprises a surface wave acoustic (SAW) device. In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device comprises a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device. In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device is attached to an exterior and / or interior of the energy device. In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device is attached to one or more suitable or predefined locations on the energy device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more electrodes in the energy device comprise a cathode and an anode. In some embodiments, the cathode is intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation type-layered. In some embodiments, the cathode is conversion chemistry -based. In some embodiments, the anode comprises one or more of the following materials: graphite, Li4Ti50i2, Si, Sn, P, hard carbon, soft carbon, Al, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the anode comprises metal electrodes. In some embodiments, the anode comprises materials capable of hosting metal ions, wherein the metal ions are selected from the group consisting of Li+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Al3+, or other metal ions. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises alkali metal ion salts dissolved in water, organic carbonate solvents, ether solvents, ester solvents, phosphate solvent, sulfonate solvent, ionic liquids, or low molecular weight oligoethers. In some embodiments, the energy device is an anode-free battery. In some embodiments, the one or more electrodes in the energy device comprise a single electrochemically active electrode and a foil. In some embodiments, the single electrochemically active electrode is a cathode. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises lithium salt containing water, carbonate solvents, ether solvents, ionic liquids, sulfone-based solvents, or phosphate-based solvents. In some embodiments, the energy device has different form factors comprising coin cells, pouch cells, cylindrical cells, or prismatic cells.

[0010] The acoustic module may include an acoustic device operably coupled to an energy device. The acoustic device can include an acoustic wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves. The acoustic device can include a housing that encloses the acoustic wave generator. The housing can be attached to an external surface of the battery that allows for acoustic waves to be streamed into the energy device. The acoustic module can include a controller that is configured to control the acoustic wave generator in the acoustic device. The generated acoustic waves can modulate or prevent inhomogeneous distribution of electrolyte in energy devices, such as electrochemical cells (e.g., battery cells, electrolysis cells, etc.). The acoustic device can be modularly assembled or mounted adjacent to an energy device, thereby providing a source of acoustic waves without integrating the acoustic device within the energy device. Additionally, the housing of the acoustic device can be customized to allow for greater flexibility in terms of controlling a relative direction of the acoustic waves.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non -transitory computer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system comprising one or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto. The computer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon execution by the one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0013] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, orpatent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and / or take precedence over any such contradictory material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The novel features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an acoustic device operably coupled to an energy device, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates an acoustic module operably coupled to an energy device, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates an acoustic device, accordingto some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2C illustrates an energy device comprises a plurality of electrodes, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2D illustrates an energy device (not coupled to an acoustic device) after fast charging or over many cycles of charge and discharge, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2E illustrates an energy device (coupled to an acoustic device) after fast charging or over many cycles of charge and discharge, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0021] FIGS. 3 A-3L illustrate configurations of an irregularly shaped cell, such as a cylindrically shaped cell, in communication with an acoustic module, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a computer system in communication with the acoustic devices, acoustic modules, and energy devices, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a graph of the resistance in milli-Ohms (mOhms) on the y-axis versus time in minutes on the x-axis for cells with or without acoustic modules, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a graph of Nyquist curves corresponding to a cell with (“SAW cell”) or without an acoustic module (“No SAW cell”), according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of the resistance in milli-Ohms (mOhms) on the y-axis versus time in minutes on the x-axis for cells with acoustic modules in the presence of an electrolyte, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a graph of Nyquist curves corresponding to a cell with (“SAW cell”) or without an acoustic module (“No SAW cell”) in the presence of an electrolyte, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a graph of the resistance in milli-Ohms (mOhms) on the y-axis versus time in minutes on the x-axis for cells with acoustic modules in the presence of an electrolyte, according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a graph of Nyquist curves corresponding to a cell with (“SAW cell”) or without an acoustic module (“No SAW cell”) in the presence of an electrolyte, according to some embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a graph of Nyquist curves corresponding to two cells with (“SAW1 cell” and “SAW2 cell”) or a cell without an acoustic module (“No SAW cell”) in the presence of an electrolyte, according to some embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] While various embodiments havebeen shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur without departing from the present disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed.

[0031] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaningas commonly understood to which the present disclosure belongs. In case of conflict, the present application including the definitions will control. Also, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0032] Provided herein, in some aspects, are acoustic modules comprising at least one acoustic device. The at least one acoustic device may be configured to be operably coupled to the energy device. In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device comprises an acoustic wave generator configured to generate and stream acoustic waves into the energy device. The at least one acoustic device may improve filling and / or wetting of an electrolyte with a separator. In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device may improve filling and / or wetting of one or more electrodes in the energy device. Advantages of the acoustic modules provided herein include, but are not limited to, decreasing the electrolyte filing and / or wetting time, increasing electrolyte filing and / or wetting rate, and lowering temperatures involved in electrolyte filing and / or wetting.

[0033] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves may be configured to set the electrolyte in motion. The electrolyte in motion may cause the electrolyte to fill or seep into pores or porous spaces within the one or more electrodes and / or separator in the energy device. In some cases, the electrolyte in motion may fill a portion of the pores or porous spaces within the one or more electrodes and / or separator. In some cases, the portion of pores or porous spaces filled by the electrolyte in motion may be at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100% ofthe total pores or porous spaces. In some cases, the one or more electrodes and / or separator may comprise a porosity ((|)). In some cases, the porosity ((|)) is defined as the ratio between the volume of voids (pores or porous spaces) over the total volume. In some cases, the porosity of the one or more electrodes ((|)e) may be defined as the ratio of volume of voids (pores or porous spaces) in the one or more electrodes and the total volume of the one or more electrodes. In some cases, the porosity of the separator ((|)s) may be defined as the ratio of volume of voids (pores or porous spaces) in the separator and the total volume of the separator. The porosity may be determined via direct methods, optical methods, computed tomographic methods, imbibition methods, water evaporation methods, mercury intrusion porosimetry, or gas expansion methods.

[0034] In some embodiments, the improved filling and wetting of the electrolyte may facilitate formation of a homogenous or uniform stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer at an interface between the electrolyte and the one or more electrodes and / or separator. In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may facilitate formation of a homogenous or uniform stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer at an interface between (i) the electrolyte and (ii) the cathode. In some cases, the one or more electrodes and / or separator may be characterized or analyzed by microscopy (e.g., scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM)). In some cases, electrolyte wetting may refer to a process of introducing an electrolyte to a material, wherein the electrolyte wets the pores of the material. In some cases, the material may be one or more electrodes of an energy device. In some cases, the material may be a separator of an energy device.

[0035] In some embodiments, electrolyte wetting may refer to a process of percolating an electrolyte throughout a material. In some cases, the material may comprise a two-dimensional (2D) material or a three-dimensional (3D) material.

[0036] The energy devices herein can provide and / or store energy depending on when energy consumption is desired. For example, the energy devices herein can provide or store energy as a battery. The batteries can be lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in personal electronics(e.g., phones, laptops, other devices), personal vehicles (e.g., an electric vehicle), or a commercial vehicle (e.g., freight). In some cases, the batteries can be lithium -metal batteries (i.e., LMBs). In some cases, the batteries can be sodium-metal batteries (i.e., NMBs). In some cases, the batteries can be sodium-ion batteries (i.e., NIBs). In some cases, the batteries can be zinc-ion batteries (i.e., ZIBs).

[0037] In some instances, the energy devices can be apparatuses that generate chemical forms of energy, such as in fuel cells. The fuel cells can be a hydrogen fuel cell, molten carbonate fuel cell, methanol / oxygen fuel cell, and the like. The fuel cells can be integrated along with the acoustic devices as described herein into personal vehicles, commercial vehicles, energy recycling plants, or other apparatuses that utilize fuel cells. Furthermore, the energy devices can be electrochemical cells that can output chemical forms of energy (e.g., hydrogen fuel) or electrical energy.

[0038] The acoustic modules or acoustic devices maybe integrated with energy devices to form energy units. The energy units may be combined and / or scaled upto provide a source of energy for any of the end-use application devices and systems as described herein, while providing a source of acoustic waves to improve energy device performance.

[0039] An energy device can comprise a plurality of electrodes, such as a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode can each be a cathode or an anode. An energy device can comprise a separator. The energy device can comprise one or more electrode gaps between the plurality of electrodes. The one or more electrode gaps can be filled with an electrolyte. Optionally, a separator may be placed within the one or more electrode gaps. For example, the separator may be equidistant from the cathode and the anode. When present, the separator can comprise a porous material to enable ion transport from the electrodes and across the electrode gap.

[0040] The acoustic devices, systems, and methods may be used and integrated into energy devices, such as battery cells, fuel cells, or electrochemical cells. The energy devices, in turn, can be used or integrated into energy systems, such as batteries, battery modules, battery packs, and the like. The energy systems can be integrated or incorporated into products, such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics (e.g., mobile devices and / or laptops), power tools, phone batteries, energy generators, energy storage systems, electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs), drones, manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, delivery robots, e-bicycles, e- scooters, robotics or robots, and the like. For example, the acoustic module may be integrated into a lithium ion battery used to power a vehicle, e.g., a sedan, a freight vehicle, and the like. The acoustic device may be integrated adjacent to the energy device, e.g., a lithium ion battery,after the energy device has been manufactured. For example, a consumer may integrate the acoustic device onto the energy device of the consumer’s personal vehicle or other electronic device, thus illustrating the benefit of portability and ease of installation. The consumer may attach or fix the acoustic device onto the energy device via the housing of the acoustic device.Acoustic Device

[0041] The acoustic device, disclosed herein, can emittunable acoustic waves (e.g., specifically tuned acoustic waves) which can create microscale or nanoscale acoustofluidics in a mobile species of the energy device (e.g., micro -stirring effect). The acoustic waves can have a direct influence on the performance of energy device. The micro-stirring effect by the acoustic waves can enhance the mobility and movement of the mobile species. In some embodiments, the acoustic device can be tuned to emit acoustic waves of specific frequencies, amplitudes, and durations, making it adaptable to different energy device types and sizes. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can lead to an even distribution of the mobile species, optimize the concentration gradient, and / or improve electrode surface potential.

[0042] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic device can comprise surface acoustic waves (SAW). In some embodiments, the acoustic device can comprise a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. In some embodiments, the SAW may be generated by placing one or more transducers (e.g., interdigitated transducers (IDTs)) on the surface of a piezoelectric material / substrate and apply an electric signal (e.g., an alternating (AC) electrical signal). In some embodiments, the SAW may propagate along the surface of the piezoelectric substrate.

[0043] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic device can comprise bulk acoustic waves (BAW). In some embodiments, the acoustic device can comprise a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device. In some embodiments, the BAWs can comprise longitudinal waves (or pressure waves). In some embodiments, the BAWs can comprise transverse waves (or shear waves). In some embodiments, the BAW may be generated by applying an electrical signal (e.g., an AC signal) between two sides of a piezoelectric material / substrate. In some embodiments, the generated acoustic waves may propagate through the entire thickness of the piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, depending on the crystalline orientation of the piezoelectric material, the piezoelectric material can expand and contract in a thicknessextension mode (substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the piezoelectric material) or thickness-shear mode (substantially parallel to the surface of the piezoelectric material). In some embodiments, the thickness-extension mode may generate longitudinal waves. In some embodiments, the thickness-shear mode may generate transverse waves.

[0044] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves generated by the acoustic device can comprise SAWs, BAWs, Lamb waves, love waves, flexural waves, thickness mode vibrations, mixed - mode waves, longitudinal waves, shear mode vibrations, bulk wave vibrations, or any combination(s) thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can agitate molecules within an energy device to perturb the local environment, thus facilitating the electrolyte diffusion and filling. For example, the acoustic waves can agitate electrolytes in an energy device (e.g., a battery), filling the pores in the electrodes and separators. The acoustic device can house an acoustic wave generator within a housing. The acoustic device may generate the acoustic waves of a frequency and power to agitate or perturb local ions, such as local Li ions at an interface, such as an interface between an electrode gap and an electrode.

[0046] The acoustic device can generate the acoustic waves that propagate through a housing of the acoustic device to the energy device. In some aspects, the acoustic device can generate the acoustic waves that propagate through a medium and to the energy device.

[0047] The direction of the acoustic waves can be altered by the controller. The acoustic waves may stream into the energy device in a direction parallel to an electrode gap interspaced between the electrodes of the energy device. The acoustic waves may stream into the energy device in a direction parallel or coaxial with the direction that Li ions travel during charging or discharging events.

[0048] The acoustic device may comprise an acoustic wave generator configured to emit (e.g., stream) acoustic waves. The acoustic wave generator maybe configured to generate the acoustic waves to trigger microscale or nanoscale acoustofluidics in a presence of a fluid located within the energy device.

[0049] FIG. 1 illustrates an acoustic device 105 operably coupled to an energy device, in accordance with some embodiments. An acoustic device as described herein can refer to any apparatus, device, or system that is designed, configured, or used for transmitting acoustic waves into a device, e.g., an energy device 102.

[0050] In some embodiments, the energy device can be external to the acoustic device. The acoustic device 105 can be in communication with the energy device 102, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, a plurality of acoustic devices may be in communication with the energy device. The acoustic module 104 can comprise an acoustic device 105 and a controller 106. The controller can be in electronic communication with the acoustic device. The controller can modulate or control the output of the acoustic device, such as generated acoustic waves. The controller can manipulate a generated frequency, power, attenuation length, and otherparameters of the acoustic waves. The controller can simultaneously control the outputs of multiple acoustic devices within the acoustic module.

[0051] An advantage of configuring the acoustic device for use externally to an energy device is that it can enable the acoustic device to be easily integrated with the energy device . This may also enable repeatusing of the acoustic device for multiple cells during the production. During the production or manufacturing of the energy device, an acoustic device can be coupled to the energy device to transmit acoustic waves to the energy device. The acoustic waves can facilitate the filling and / or wetting of electrolyte to the electrodes and / or separator of the energy device. After the production process is complete, the acoustic device can be de -coupled from the energy device and coupled to another energy device for the subsequent filling and wetting of electrolyte to the electrodes and / or separator. This process can be repeated for a plurality of energy devices.

[0052] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, a housing 120 of the acoustic device 105 can enclose the acoustic wave generator 110. The housing can be made of a material that allows acoustic waves from the acoustic wave generator to transmit through. The housing can enable safe storage of the acoustic wave generator, which, in turn, makes the acoustic device portable. The housing can provide separation between the acoustic wave generator and the controller. The housing can propagate the generated acoustic waves from the acoustic wave generator outward from the acoustic device. The housing can interface with the energy device via an external surface of the energy device. The housing can be open at one end. In some cases, the open end may be coupled to the energy device (e.g., a battery). In some cases, when the open end is coupled to the energy device, the acoustic waves may directly propagate into the energy device. In some cases, the housing can be closed at the one end such that the housing wholly encloses the acoustic device.

[0053] In some embodiments, the acoustic device may not be de-coupled from the energy device so it can continue to provide acoustic waves to the energy device during the usage of the energy device.

[0054] The acoustic device as described herein can extend life of an energy device (e.g., a battery) and improve performance of an energy device (e.g., a battery) in several ways. First, the acoustic device can suppress ion (e.g., Li ion) concentration gradient (i) in a bulk electrolyte and / or (ii) in pores of at least one electrode of the energy device. The acoustic device, via generated acoustic waves, can suppress counter anion concentration gradient (i) in a bulk electrolyte and / or (ii) in pores of at least one electrode of the energy device. Furthermore, the acoustic device can facilitate ion (e.g., Li ion) diffusivity (i) in a bulk electrolyte, (ii) at anelectrolyte and electrode interface, and / or (iii) in an electrode of the energy device. In some cases, the acoustic device can suppress dendritic Li formation and promote dense large Li particle formation in the energy device (e.g., LMBs) via the generated acoustic waves. In some cases, the acoustic device can also promote ion (e.g., Li ion) transport into an anode material of the energy device (e.g., LIBs). The acoustic device can mitigate volume swelling or expansion of a cell in the energy device as the energy device undergoes multiple charge cycles.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, an energy device comprises a plurality of electrodes, such as a cathode and an anode, and an electrode gap interspaced between the plurality of electrodes. During a charging event, Li ions are mobilized and travel from one electrode (e.g., the cathode) to the other electrode (e.g., the anode). As illustrated in FIG. 2D, under fast charging or over many cycles of charge and discharge, an inhomogeneous Li ion concentration can develop across the electrode gap. Overtime, as illustrated in FIG. 2D, deposited lithium ions form dendrites across the electrode gap, resulting in a porous anode (i.e., Li ions can be redistributed from the electrodes into the bulk as protrusions, e.g., dendrimers). In some cases, the deposited lithium ion dendrites may establish a channel between the plurality of electrodes, resulting in a short-circuit event. Additionally, over multiple cycles of charge and discharge, a thick solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) may form over the anode, preventing efficient Li ion transport across the electrodes.

[0056] By contrast, integrating the acoustic modules as described herein (e.g., in FIG. 2E), may eliminate, reduce or modulate the formation of lithium deposits, e.g., dendrites, throughout the electrode gap. For example, acoustic waves (e.g., surface acoustic waves (SAWs) or bulk acoustic waves (SAWs)) from the acoustic module may induce a fluid flow across the electrode gap, resulting in a homogeneous lithium ion concentration throughout the electrode gap. By comparison, under fast charging or over many cycles of charge and discharge, the energy device with the acoustic module, as in FIG. 2E, exhibits little to no lithium dendrite formation and maintains a dense SEI over the anode.

[0057] In some embodiments, the production of the energy device can be continuous. In some embodiments, a network of acoustic devices can be coupled to a plurality of energy devices for mass production of the energy devices.

[0058] In some embodiments, the acoustic device can reduce the production time of an energy device. In some embodiments, the acoustic device can reduce the production time of the energy device by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, atleast about 90%, at least about 95%, or more, in comparison to the production time of a similar energy device without aid of the acoustic device.

[0059] An energy device with the acoustic module or acoustic device of the present disclosure may comprise an energy density of at least about 50 Wh / kg, at least about 100 Wh / kg, at least about 150 Wh / kg, at least about 200 Wh / kg, at least about 250 Wh / kg, at least about 300 Wh / kg at least about 350 Wh / kg, at least about 400 Wh / kg, at least about 450 Wh / kg, at least about 500 Wh / kg, at least about 550 Wh / kg, or at least about 600 Wh / kg. The energy device with the acoustic module or acoustic device of the present disclosure may comprise an energy density of at least about 50 Wh / kgto about 100 Wh / kg, about 150 Wh / kg to about 200 Wh / kg, about 250 Wh / kg to about 300 Wh / kg, about 350 Wh / kg to about 400 Wh / kg, about 450 Wh / kg to about 500 Wh / kg, or about 550 Wh / kg to about 600 Wh / kg. The energy device with the acoustic module or acoustic device of the present disclosure may store at least about 50 Wh / kg, at least about 100 Wh / kg, at least about 150 Wh / kg, at least about 200 Wh / kg, at least about 250 Wh / kg or at least about 300 Wh / kg more energy than an energy device without the acoustic module or acoustic device.

[0060] In some aspects, provided herein are methods for assembling an energy system, the method comprises providing at least one acoustic device comprising (1) an acoustic wave generator and (2) a housing enclosing the acoustic wave generator; and operably coupling the at least one acoustic device to an energy device to construct the energy system, by attaching the housing of the at least one acoustic device to an external surface of the energy device. The method can further comprise incorporating the energy system into one or more products. In some cases, the method can further comprise using at least one controller to control the acoustic wave generator to generate acoustic waves for streaming into the energy device to improve performance for the one or more products.Reduction in Wetting Time

[0061] Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for improving electrolyte wetting. In some embodiments, the improvement in electrolyte wetting may be characterized at least in part by a reduction in wetting time that the electrolyte takes to fully wet the one or more electrodes and / or the separator. Electrolyte wetting may be determined by electrochemical, spectroscopic, or microscopic methods. In some cases, electrolyte wetting may be determined by changes in impedance, as determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In some cases, the microscopic method includes scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In some cases, microscope images of the one or more electrodes may be collected and evaluated. In some cases, a comparison of the microscope images (e.g., SEM orTEM) of the one or more electrodes in the presence or absence of the acoustic module may reveal that the one or more electrodes in the presence of the acoustic module are substantially more homogeneous than the one or more electrodes in the absence of the acoustic module.

[0062] In some embodiments, the acoustic module may reduce electrolyte wetting time. In some cases, the reduction in wetting time may range from about 0.01% to about 99.9 compared to electrolyte wetting without use of an acoustic module. In some cases, the reduction in wetting time can range from about 1% to about 95%, from about 5% to about 90%, from about 10% to about 85%, from about 15% to about 80%, from about 20% to about 75%, from about 25% to about 70%, from about 30% to about 65%, or from about 40% to about 60%. In some cases, the reduction in wetting time can be at least about 0.01%, at least about 0.5%, at least about 1%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, atleast about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or a at least bout 99%.

[0063] In some cases, the reduction in wetting time may be characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in a predetermined amount of time. For example, the reduction in wetting time is characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in less than about 0.02 hours to 24 hours. In some cases, the reduction in wetting time may be completed in less than about 48 hours, less than about 45 hours, less than about 42 hours, less than about 39 hours, less than about 36 hours, less than about 33 hours, less than about 30 hours, less than about 27 hours, less than about 24 hours, less than about 21 hours, less than about 18 hours, less than about 15 hours, less than about 12 hours, less than about 10 hours, less than about 8 hours, less than about 6 hours, less than about 4 hours, less than about 2 hours, less than about 1 hour, or less than about 30 minutes. In some cases, the reduction in wetting time may range from about 30 minutes to about 48 hours, from about 1 hour to about 45 hours, from about 2 hours to about 42 hours, from about 4 hours to about 39 hours, from about 6 hours to about 36 hours, from about 8 hours to about 33 hours, from about 10 hours to about 30 hours, from about 12 hours to about 27 hours, from about 15 hours to about 24 hours, or from about 18 hours to about 21 hours. In some instances, the reduction in wetting time is characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in less than 1 hour.

[0064] In some cases, the energy device may have a capacity ranging from 1 pWh to 1 MWh. In some embodiments, the energy device may have a capacity ranging from about 1 pWh to about 1 MWh, about 5 pWh to about 1 MWh, from about 10 pWh to about 500 kWh, from about20 pWh to about 250 kWh, from about 50 pWh to about 100 kWh, from about 100 pWh to about 75 kWh, from about 250 pWh to about 50 kWh, from about 500 pWh to about 25 kWh, from about 750 pWh to about 10 kWh, from about 1 mWh to about 1 kWh, from about 25 mWh to about 750 Wh, from about 50 mWh to about 500 Wh, from about 75 mWh to about 250 Wh, from about lOO mWh to about lOOWh, from about 200 mWh to about 75 Wh, from about 500 mWh to about 50 Wh, or from about 1000 mWh to about 25 Wh. In some cases, the energy device may have a capacity of at least about 50 mWh, at least about 100 mWh, at least about 250 mWh, atleast about 500 mWh, at least about 1000 mWh , at least about 2000 mWh, at least about 5000 mWh, at least about 7500 mWh, at least about 10 Wh, at least about 25 Wh, at least about 50 Wh, at least about 100 Wh, at least about 1 kWh, at least about 10 kWh, at least about 100 kWh, or atleast about 1 MWh. In some cases, the energy device may have a capacity of at most about 1 MWh, at most about 500 kWh, at most about 250 kWh, at most about 100 kWh, at most about 75 kWh, at most about 50 kWh, at most about 25 kWh, at most about 10 kWh, at most about 1 kWh, at most about 500 Wh, at most about 250 Wh, at most about 100 Wh, at most about 50 Wh, at most about 25 Wh, at most about 10 Wh, at most about 5 Wh, or at most about 1 Wh.

[0065] In some embodiments, the reduction in wetting time may be agnostic to chemistry and / or geometry of the energy device. In some cases, the energy device may comprise one or more electrochemical cells having different cell chemistries, and wherein the reduction in wetting time is observable or achievable across the one or more electrochemical cells having the different cell chemistries.Improving Pore Filling Rate

[0066] In some embodiments, the acoustic module may provide an improvement in the electrolyte wetting. In some cases, the improvement in the electrolyte wetting may be characterized at least in part by an improved electrolyte filling rate of a plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes and / or the separator. In some embodiments, electrolyte wetting may be determined by the wetting balance method. In some instances, the improved electrolyte filling rate may comprise the electrolyte filling at least 95% of the plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes in less than about 60 min, less than about 50 min, less than about 40 min, less than about 30 min, or less than about 20 minutes. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may comprise the electrolyte filling at least 80% of the plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes in less than about 60 min, less than about 50 min, less than about 40 min, less than about 30 min, or less than about 20 minutes. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may decrease the porosity of theone or more electrodes ((|)e). In some cases, the decrease in may range from about 1% to about 10%, from 1 l%to about20%, from about 21% to about 30%, from about 31% to about 40%, from about41%to about 50%, from about 51% to about 60%, from about 61% to about 70%, from about 71% to about 80%, from about 81% to about 90%, or from about 91% to about 99%. In some cases, the decrease inmay range from about 1% to about 99%, from about 10% to about 80%, from about 20% to about 70%, from about 30% to about 60%, or from about 40% to about 50%. In some cases, the decrease in (|)ecan be at most about 5%, at most about 10%, at most about 15%, at most about 20%, at most about 25%, at most about 30%, at most about 35%, at most about 40%, at most about 45%, at most about 50%, at most about 55%, at most about 60%, at most about 65%, at most about 70%, at most about 75%, at most about 80%, at most about 85%, at most about 90%, at most about 95%, or at most about 99%. In some cases, the decrease in can be at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, atleast about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99%.

[0067] In some embodiments, the plurality of pores or porous spaces may have a range of sizes and / or shapes. In some cases, the shapes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces may include regular shapes and / or irregular shapes. In some cases, the regular shapes may comprise a sphere, a cylinder, a cone, a frustoconical shape, a rectangle, a hexagon, a triangle, a star, an ellipsoid, an oblong, a tube, an annular shape, a fractal shape, a honeycomb -like shape, a foam-like shape, among others. In some cases, the regular shapes may comprise a combination of at least one of a sphere, a cylinder, a cone, a frustoconical shape, a rectangle, a hexagon, a triangle, a star, an ellipsoid, an oblong, a tube, an annular shape, a fractal shape, a honeycomb -like shape, a foamlike shape, among others.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plurality of pores or porous spaces may have a spatial distribution density of pores per unit area of the one or more electrodes. In some cases, the plurality of pores or porous spaces may have a spatial distribution density of pores per unit area ranging from about 10 to about 1000 pores per unit volume. In some cases, the unit area may be pm3, mm3, cm3, m3, in3, ft3, or mi3. In some cases, the one or more electrodes may have a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. In some cases, the BET surface area may be determined by BET surface area analysis. In some cases, the average pore diameter may be calculated from the BET surface area (SBET)- In some cases, the average pore diameter may be approximated as 4VT / SBET, where VT represents the total volume of the one or more electrodes,and SBET is the BET surface area as measured for the one or more electrodes. In some cases, the average pore diameter may be calculated by Barrett- Joy ner-Halenda (BJH) absorption and desorption.

[0069] In some embodiments, the plurality of pores or porous spaces can have a dimension. In some cases, the dimension can be a size. In some cases, the size may correspond to an average height, an average length, an average width or depth, an average radius, or an average diameter. In some cases, the sizes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces may range from about 1 nm to about 500 pm. In some cases, the sizes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces may range from about 1 nm to about 500 pm, from about 5 nm to about 250 pm, from about 10 nm to about 200 pm, from about 20 nm to about 100 pm, from about 50 nm to about 50 pm, from about 100 nm to about 10 pm, or from about 500 nm to about 5 pm. In some cases, the sizes of the plurality of pores can be at least about 1 nm, at least about 5 nm, at least about 10 nm, at least about 25 nm, at least about 50 nm, at least about 75 nm, at least about 100 nm, at least about 200 nm, at least about 250 nm, at least about 500 nm, at least about 1 pm, at least about 1.5 pm, at least about 2 pm, at least about 2.5 pm, at least about 5 pm, at least about 10 pm, at least about 20 pm, at least about 25 pm, at least about 50 pm, at least about 100 pm, at least about 200 pm, at least about 500 pm, or at least about 1 mm.

[0070] In some instances, the energy device may comprise one or more electrochemical cells having different cell chemistries, and wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate is observable or achievable across the one or more electrochemical cells having the different cell chemistries. In some instances, the improved electrolyte filling rate may be observable via electrochemical or spectroscopic methods. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may be observable by EIS. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may be agnostic to an electrochemical cell chemistry and / or geometry of the energy device. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may be achieved without using a pressure profile process to activate capillary effect of the electrolyte in the plurality of pores or porous spaces. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may be achieved without using heat, ultrasonic waves, or microwaves. In some cases, the improved electrolyte filling rate may be achieved without using a frequency source above 20 kHz.Reducing Bulk Impedance

[0071] In some embodiments, the acoustic module can reduce bulk impedance of the energy device that is produced with the assistance of the acoustic module. In some embodiments, the energy device can have a first bulk impedance that is lower than a second bulk impedance of a comparable energy device without having at least one acoustic device coupled thereto. In somecases, the first bulk impedance may be about 1% to about 99% lower than the second bulk impedance. In some cases, the first bulk impedance may be about 1%, about 5%, about 10%, about20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 95%, or about 99% lower than the second bulk impedance. In some cases, the first bulk impedance can be atleast about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 99% lower than the second bulk impedance.

[0072] In some cases, the first bulk impedance and the second bulk impedance may be determined via electrochemical methods. In some cases, the electrochemical method may be EIS. In some cases, the bulk impedance may be approximated as the value of the real axis. For example, when time is 0, the corresponding resistance (Z’ in Ohms) can be taken as the bulk impedance value. In some embodiments, the Nyquist curve of an energy device with an acoustic module may have a lower impedance as compared to the Nyquist curve of an energy device without an acoustic module.Comparison to Existing Wetting Practices

[0073] In some embodiments, the acoustic module enables improved electrolyte wetting as compared to existing wetting practices. In some cases, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may be achieved without using a pressure profile to activate capillary effect of the electrolyte in the cell. In some cases, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may be achieved without requiring addition of one or more wetting agents to the electrolyte .

[0074] In some embodiments, improved wetting of the electrolyte can occur at different temperatures or pressures. In some cases, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may be achieved without requiring wetting at elevated temperatures greater than 30 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, improved wetting of the electrolyte can occur at temperatures less than about 30 degrees Celsius, less than about 28 degrees Celsius, less than about 26 degrees Celsius, less than about 24 degrees Celsius, less than about 22 degrees Celsius, less than about 20 degrees Celsius, less than about 18 degrees Celsius, or less than about 16 degrees Celsius. In some cases, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may be achieved at ambient temperature and pressure.

[0075] In some embodiments, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may be achieved without altering one or more chemical properties of the electrolyte. In some cases, the improved wetting of the electrolyte may be achieved without introducing parasitic reactions at an interface between the electrolyte and the one or more electrodes. In some cases, the improved wetting ofthe electrolyte may be achieved across a range of viscosities for the electrolyte. In some cases, the viscosities may range from about 0.1 centipoise (cP) to about 50 cP. In some cases, the viscosities of the electrolyte can range from about 0.1 cP to about 50 cP, from about 0.5 cP to about 25 cP, or from about 1 cP to about 20 cP. In some cases, the viscosities of the electrolyte can be at least about 0.1 cP, at least about 0.5 cP, at least about 1 cP, at least about 2 cP, at least about 5 cP, at least about 10 cP, at least about 15 cP, at least about 20 cP, at least about 25 cP, at least about 30 cP, at least about 40 cP, atleast about 50 cP, at least about 60 cP, at least about 70 cP, at least about 80 cP, at least about 90 cP, or at least about 100 cP. In some cases, the viscosities of the electrolyte can be at most about 50 cP, at most about 40 cP, at most about 30 cP, at most about 20 cP, or at most about 10 cP.Acoustic Wave Generator

[0076] In some embodiments, the at least one acoustic device can comprise a SAW device. In some instances, the at least one acoustic device may be attached to an exterior of the energy device. In some instances, the atleast one acoustic device may be attached to an interior of the energy device. In some cases, the at least one acoustic device may be attached to one or more suitable or predefined locations on the energy device.

[0077] The acoustic wave generator generates waves, such as acoustic waves. The generated acoustic waves may be able to permeate a medium, such as a fluid, to agitate the medium or particles within the medium.

[0078] The generated acoustic waves may propagate (e.g., stream) in a plurality of directions. Within an energy device, the acoustic waves may propagate along one axis, two axes, or three axes of the energy device. For example, if the energy device comprises a pair of electrodes configured to charge or discharge, the acoustic waves may be propagated coaxially, parallel, antiparallel, orthogonal, or a combination thereof, to the direction of cation (e.g., Li+, Na+, Mg2+, Zn+) flow. Cations can flow along a length (e.g., a y-axis) of the energy device, such as along an electrode gap in the energy device. The direction of cation flow may be parallel to or orthogonal to the direction of the acoustic waves.

[0079] The acoustic wave generator can comprise a mechanism configured to generate acoustic waves. The acoustic wave generator can comprise a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material can include lithium niobate (LiNbCh), lithium titanate (I^TiCh), barium titanate (BaTiCh), lead zirconate titanate (Pb(ZrxTii.x)O3 wherein (0<x<l)), quartz, aluminum nitride (AIN), langasite, lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT), lead-free potassium sodium niobate (Ko.sNao.sNbOs or KNN), a doped derivative of lead-free potassium sodium niobate, and / or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0080] The energy of the acoustic waves may induce acoustic streaming in the energy device. Acoustic streaming may be a non-laminar and / or turbulent fluid flow, which may maximize the agitation of the electrolyte and / or the homogenization of the distribution of the cations in the electrolyte. It should be appreciated that acoustic streaming may result from interplay between variations in a density of the electrolyte and variations in a velocity of the electrolyte. A frequency of the acoustic waves, an amplitude of the acoustic waves, and / or the viscosity of the electrolyte may determine whether the acoustic waves are able to induce acoustic streaming in the electrolyte. Acoustic streaming may be achieved at lower frequencies of the acoustic waves, for example, when the viscosity of the electrolyte is between a certain range. For example, acoustic streaming may be induced in water, which may have a viscosity of 0 .890 centipoise at 25 °C, when the frequency of the acoustic waves exceeds 1 megahertz (1 MHz).

[0081] The acoustic waves can be surface acoustic waves (SAW). The SAWs can comprise one or more wave types. The one or more wave types can comprise leaky SAW, love wave, Bleustein Gulyaev wave, surface skimming bulk wave, surface transverse waves, or any combination thereof. In some instances, the one or more wave types can comprise a bulk wave selected from the group consisting of thickness mode wave, thickness shear mode wave, and longitudinal bulk wave.

[0082] Within the acoustic module, the controller can be provided separately from the acoustic device. In some cases, the controller can be integrated onboard the acoustic device. The controller can be in wireless communication with the acoustic device. Alternatively, the controller can be electronically coupled to the acoustic device.

[0083] The controller can control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves at a frequency ranging from about 10 Hz to about 20 GHz. The generated acoustic waves can comprise a frequency ranging from about 100 Hz to about 400 MHz, from about 200 Hz to about 300 MHz, from about 300Hz to about 200 MHz, from about 400 Hz to about 100 MHz, or from about 500 Hz to about 0.5 MHz. The generated acoustic waves can comprise a frequency of at least about 10 Hz, at least about 25 Hz, at least about 50 Hz, at least about 100 Hz, at least about 200 Hz, at least about 500 Hz, at least about 1 kHz, at least about 1.5 kHz, at least about 2 kHz, at least about 5 kHz, at least about 10 kHz, at least about 20 kHz, at least about 50 kHz, at least about 100 kHz, at least about 200 kHz, at least about 500 kHz, at least about 1 MHz, at least about 10 MHz, at least about 100 MHz, at least about 500 MHz, at least about 1 GHz, at least about 2 GHz, at least about 10 GHz, or at least about 20 GHz. The frequency (fs) of the generated acoustic waves may be selected based on a desired length of the acoustic waves, as determined by the equation:wherein cscorresponds to the speed of light traveling through the medium (e.g., an electrode or an electrolyte of the energy device, or other components of the present disclosure) and XAw corresponds to a wavelength of the acoustic waves.

[0084] The controller can control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves with a power ranging from 0.1 mW to 500 MW. The power of the generated acoustic waves can range from about 0.1 mW to about 500 MW, from about 0.2 mW to about 250 MW, from about 0.5 mW to about 100 MW, from about 1.0 mW to about 50 MW, from about 5.0 mW to about 25 MW, from about 10 mW to about 10 MW, from about 50 mW to about 1 MW, from about 100 mW to about 0.5 MW, or from about 200 mW to about 250 W. The power of the generated waves can prevent the formation of metal deposits (e.g., Li deposits) without structurally perturbing the components within the energy device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves having one or more waveforms selected from the group consisting of continuous sine wave, square wave, and triangular wave. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves with on / off pulsing ranging from 0%to 100%. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves with on / off pulsing ranges from about 0% to about 10%, about 0% to about 20%, about 0% to about 30%, about 0% to about 40%, about 0% to about 50%, about 0% to about 60%, about 0% to about 70%, about 0% to about 80%, about 0% to about 90%, about 0% to about 100%, about 10% to about20%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about40%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 70%, about 10% to about 80%, about 10% to about 90%, about 10% to about 100%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 70%, about 20% to about 80%, about 20% to about 90%, about 20% to about 100%, about 30% to about 40%, about 30% to about 50%, about 30% to about 60%, about 30%to about 70%, about 30% to about 80%, about 30% to about 90%, about 30% to about 100%, about 40% to about 50%, about 40% to about 60%, about 40% to about 70%, about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 90%, about 40% to about 100%, about 50% to about 60%, about 50% to about 70%, about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 90%, about 50% to about 100%, about 60% to about 70%, about 60% to about 80%, about 60% to about 90%, about 60% to about 100%, about 70% to about 80%, about 70% to about 90%, about 70% to about 100%, about 80% to about 90%, about 80% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100%. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured tocontrol the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves with on / off pulsing of at least about 0%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or about 100%. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves with on / off pulsing ranges from at most about 10%, at most about 20%, at most about 30%, at most about 40%, at most about 50%, at most about 60%, at most about 70%, at most about 80%, at most about 90%, or at most about 100%.

[0086] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the acoustic wave generator to generate the acoustic waves with a timescale period ranging from about 1 microsecond (ps) to about 1 millisecond (ms). The timescale period can range from about 1 ps to about 10 ps, about 1 ps to about 50 ps, about 1 ps to about 100 ps, about 1 ps to about 250 ps, about 1 ps to about 500 ps, about 1 ps to about 750 ps, about 1 ps to about 1,000 ps, about 10 ps to about 50 ps, about 10 ps to about 100 ps, about 10 ps to about 250 ps, about 10 ps to about 500 ps, about 10 ps to about 750 ps, about 10 ps to about 1,000 ps, about 50 ps to about 100 ps, about 50 ps to about 250 ps, about 50 ps to about 500 ps, about 50 ps to about 750 ps, about 50 ps to about 1,000 ps, about 100 ps to about250 ps, about 100 ps to about 500 ps, about 100 ps to about 750 ps, about 100 ps to about 1,000 ps, about 250 ps to about 500 ps, about 250 ps to about 750 ps, about 250 ps to about 1,000 ps, about 500 ps to about 750 ps, about 500 ps to about 1,000 ps, or about 750 ps to about 1,000 ps. The timescale period can be about 1 ps, about 10 ps, about 50 ps, about 100 ps, about250 ps, about 500 ps, about 750 ps, or about 1,000 ps. The timescale period can be at least about 1 ps, at least about 10 ps, at least about 50 ps, at least about 100 ps, at least about 250 ps, atleast about 500 ps, or at least about 750 ps. The timescale period can be at most about 10 ps, atmost about 50 ps, at most about 100 ps, at most about 250 ps, at most about 500 ps, at most about 750 ps, or at most about 1,000 ps.

[0087] A plurality of acoustic devices can modulate the formation of cationic or metallic deposits, such as Li dendrites. An advantage of using multiple acoustic devices is through providing multiple sources of acoustic waves. Furthermore, integration of multiple acoustic devices can be useful for larger energy devices or energy systems.

[0088] The acoustic modules, by way of the housings of the acoustic devices of the acoustic modules, can be attached to the external surface of the energy device. The housings of the acoustic devices can be configured to attach to atleast one external surface of the energy device. The housings of the acoustic devices can be configured to attach to at least two external surfaces of the energy device. The at least two external surfaces can lie on a same plane extend across theexternal surface. The at least two external surfaces can lie on different planes. The at least two external surfaces can be orthogonal, parallel, opposite, or adjacent to one another.

[0089] The acoustic modules can be placed such that the generated acoustic waves propagate in a direction parallel to each other. In some embodiments, a pair of acoustic modules can be in operable communication on a same side (e.g., a bottom side, a top side, a first side, and / or a second side) of the energy device. In some cases, the pair of acoustic modules may be oriented to stream acoustic waves in the same direction. For example, a pair of acoustic modules may be oriented to stream acoustic waves in an opposite direction. In some cases, a pair of acoustic modules may be oriented to stream acoustic waves in orthogonal directions. A pair of acoustic modules may be operably coupled to an energy device such that each of the acoustic modules are opposite each other. The pair of acoustic modules can be oriented antiparallel to each other along an axis (e.g., the y-axis, the x-axis, or the z-axis). In some cases, the acoustic modules may be opposite and off center relative to each other. In some cases, the acoustic modules may be opposite to each other and adjacent to an edge of the energy device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the configuration of the acoustic device may permit acoustic waves to be streamed in a plurality of directions, through a number and variety of cells. When multiple acoustic devices are used, each acoustic device may be aligned relative to an axis or a plane. For example, if a pair of acoustic devicesis used and positioned orthogonal to each other, the first acoustic device can be positioned on the bottom of the acoustic device. The second acoustic device can be positioned over a side of the energy device. The first acoustic device can be positioned relative to an xz plane or an x-axis. The acoustic second device can be positioned relative to a yz plane or a y-axis.

[0091] The configuration of the acoustic module can permit streaming the acoustic waves in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to an electrode gap of the energy device. Alternatively, the configuration may permit the acoustic waves to be streamed in a direction that is non- orthogonal to an electrode gap of the energy device. Alternatively, the configuration of the acoustic module may permit the acoustic waves to be streamed in a direction that is substantially parallel to an electrode gap of the energy device. Alternatively, the configuration may permit the acoustic waves to be streamed in a direction that is non -parallel to an electrode gap of the energy device. In some instances, the configuration may provide an acoustic streaming direction that is independent of a position of one or more tabs of the energy device. Alternatively, the configuration may provide an acoustic streaming direction that is dependent on a position of one or more tabs of the energy device. The one or more tabs may be one or more battery tabs.

[0092] In some cases, a plurality (e.g., a pair) of acoustic modules may be disposed over at least two external surfaces of the energy device. The at least two surfaces can be a first side and a second side of the energy device, such that the acoustic modules are configured to stream acoustic waves orthogonal to an electrode gap of the energy devices. The first side can be different from the second side. Alternatively, the first side can be opposed to the second side. In some cases, each of the plurality of acoustic modules maybe oriented adjacent to a center of the first face and the second face, respectively. In some cases, the first edge and the second edge may be adjacent to a top side. The plurality of acoustic modules can be oriented at a first edge and a second edge, wherein each of the first edge and second edge are adjacent to a top side of the energy device. In some embodiments, one of the plurality of acoustic modules may be disposed adjacent to a first edge of a first side (e.g., a bottom side or a top side), and the remaining acoustic modules of the plurality of acoustic modules may be disposed adjacent to a second edge of a second side (e.g., a top side or a bottom side). In some cases, one of the plurality of acoustic modules may be configured adjacent to a first edge (e.g., a top edge or a bottom edge) of a first side. In some cases, the remaining acoustic module of the plurality of acoustic modules may be configured adjacent to a second edge (e.g., a top edge or a bottom edge) of a second side.

[0093] The energy devices can comprise an external surface. The external surface can be a non- planar surface. The non-planar surface can correspond to, for example, a curved surface, an angled surface, or an irregularly -shaped surface. For example, the external surface can be a cylindrical surface. The acoustic module or device can conform to the irregularly shaped surface by way of the housing. The base can be designed to conform to the irregularly shaped surface. When present, a coupling agent can conform to the irregularly shaped surface, such that the base of the housing can attach (e.g., via physical mechanisms) to the energy device. In some cases, the acoustic module can be disposed over a top or a bottom side of the energy device, such that the acoustic module extends over a smallest plane (e.g., about 90% or about 100% over the plane) of the external surface. In some cases, the acoustic module or acoustic device may extend over a portion of the smallest plane (e.g., about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, or about 80% of the smallest plane). The smallest plane can correspond to a top or a bottom of the energy device. In some cases, the acoustic module or device can be mounted adjacent to a largest surface. The acoustic module or device can be disposed over a portion (e.g., 10%, about20%, about 30%, about40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, or about 90%) of the largest surface of the external surface.

[0094] When multiple acoustic devices (e.g., a plurality of devices) are implemented, the acoustic devices maybe disposed adjacent to different parts of the energy device . For example, one of the multiple acoustic devices can be disposed over, e.g., 100%, of a smallest surface (e.g., a top or a bottom) of the energy device. Another of the multiple acoustic devices can be disposed over, e.g., 100%, of another smallest surface or other surface of the energy device. In some cases, the multiple acoustic devices may be disposed adjacent to surfaces that are opposite to each other. In some cases, the multiple acoustic devices may be positioned to be orthogonal to each other.

[0095] In contrast to other devices, when multiple acoustic devices according to the disclosure are used, the acoustic devices can be oriented orthogonal to each other without being integrated into the energy device itself, thus providing a technical advantage of providing orthogonal sources of acoustic waves. Additionally, another technical advantage provided by the modular aspect of using the acoustic devices is the added option of providing antiparallel or orthogonal placement of acoustic wave generators.Energy Systems

[0096] The acoustic devices of the present disclosure can be operably coupled to energy devices. The energy device can be provided in a form of one or more battery cells. The energy device can be provided in a form of one or more battery modules. The energy device is provided in a form of one or more battery packs.

[0097] The acoustic devices can be integrated into individual energy devices, such as battery cells, electrochemical cells, fuel cells, and the like, and the individual energy devices can, in turn, be integrated into energy systems. The format of the battery cells can be cylindrical, pouch, prismatic or irregular types. In some cases, the acoustic devices can also be integrated into energy systems, such as batteries, which comprise a plurality of cells. For example, the acoustic device can be mounted onto a battery such that it provides acoustic waves to the plurality of battery cells within the battery. In some cases, the individual cells can be grouped together to form a pouch (e.g., a cell pouch or prismatic pouch), wherein the individual cells may be individually equipped with an acoustic device. The cells within the pouches can be any battery cell, electrochemical cell, fuel cell (e.g., a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), or the like), capacitor, supercapacitor, and the like.

[0098] In some cases, commercially available in production batteries maybe assembled with the acoustic devices and modules described herein. For example, multiple commercially available in production batteries may be grouped together, and an acoustic module can be assembled adjacent to the grouped batteries. The grouped batteries can be a battery module. Alternatively,individual batteries with acoustic devices or acoustic modules as described herein can be grouped together to form a modified battery module.

[0099] The acoustic modules and acoustic devices can be configured to interface with a number of shapes of the energy device. The energy devices can have a variety of form factors. For example, and not by limitation, the energy devices can have form factors comprising coin cells, pouch cells, cylindrical cells, or prismatic cells. For instance, the energy device can comprise a regular shape. In some cases, the energy device can comprise an irregular shape or a customed shape. The energy device can comprise one or more pouch cells, prismatic cells, or cylindrical cells. The irregularly shaped cells can be polygonal shaped cells (e.g., FIG. 3L), triangular shaped cells (e.g., FIG. 3K), rectangular cells (e.g., FIG. 3D, 3E), pentagonal cells, hexagonal cells (e.g., FIG. 31), and the like. Irregularly-shaped cells can include L-shaped cells (e.g., FIG. 3J), curved cells (e.g., FIG. 3F), round Lipo cells (e.g., FIG. 3C), or C-shaped cells (e.g., FIG. 3H). Other irregularly-shaped cells can include ultranarrow cells (e.g., FIG. 3G), ultrathin cells (e.g., FIG. 3E), D-shaped cells (e.g., FIG. 3B), and the like. In some embodiments, the energy device can comprise a plurality of cells with different shapes (e.g., FIG. 3 A).

[0100] The energy device system can comprise an energy device, which comprises at least one cathode. In some cases, the cathode can be conversion chemistry -based, e.g., sulfur or FeF3. In some embodiments, the cathode can be intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation typelayered. In some cases, the cathode can comprise Li ion, Li metal, Na ion, Na metal, K ion, K metal, Mg ion, Mg metal, Ca ion, Ca metal, Zn ion, Zn metal, Pb acid, or any combination thereof.

[0101] In some cases, the cathode can comprise a cation as the charge carrier. The cation can be Li ion. In some cases, the elements with positive charges in the cathode materials can be any element from Group 1 through Group 16 of the Periodic Table of Elements. The elements with negative charges in the cathode materials can be any element from Group 15 or 17 of the Periodic Table of Elements. The cathode material can be a material selected from the group consisting of oxides, fluorides, oxyfluorides, sulfides, and phosphates. In some cases, the cathode can be selected from the group consisting of: LiFePCL; LiM^CL; LiNio.5Mn1.5O4; LiNivCo1Mn-O2, wherein x +y + z = 1 ; LiCoO2; LiNivCo1Al-O2, wherein x +y + z = l - LiFe. n1PO4. wherein x + y = 1 ; and aLiNivCo1Mn-O2 ( l -a)Li2MnO3, wherein a = 0-1 and x + y + z = 1. In some cases, the cathode of the energy device can be Lithium free. In some embodiments, the cathode can be selected from the group consisting of: S S / C composite; sulfurized polyacrylonitrile; FeF3; CoF3; CuF2; NiF2; FeOF; FexCoyOF, wherein x + y = 1; FeS2; FeS4; or FeS6.

[0102] In some cases, the cathode may comprise lithium intercalated transition metal oxides, lithiated phosphate, lithiated multivalent metal oxides. In some cases, the cathode may comprise a layered lithium intercalated transition metal oxides, pre -lithiated sulfur or pre-lithiated multivalent metal oxides. In some embodiments, the cathode can be lithium containing intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation type-layered (e.g., involving transition metal oxides, transition metal phosphate, vanadium oxides, molybdenum oxides) for Li ion battery or Li metal battery. In some embodiments, the cathode can be sodium containing intercalation chemistry-based or intercalation type-layered (e.g., involving transition metal oxides, transition metal phosphate, iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), vanadium oxides, molybdenum oxides) for Na ion battery or Na metal battery . In some embodiments, the cathode can be potassium containing intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation type-layered (e.g., involving transition metal oxides, transition metal phosphate, iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), vanadium oxides, molybdenum oxides) for K ion battery or K metal battery.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a layered lithium intercalated transition metal oxides, lithium intercalated transition metal oxides, lithium intercalated phosphate, pre- lithiated sulfur, pre-lithiated multivalent metal fluorides, pre-lithiated multivalent metal sulfides, or pre-lithiated multivalent metal oxides. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a layered sodium intercalated transition metal oxide, sodium intercalated transition metal oxide, sodium intercalated phosphate, sodium intercalated iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), pre-sodiated sulfur, pre-sodiated multivalent metal fluorides, pre-sodiated multivalent metal sulfides, or pre-sodiated multivalent metal oxides. In some embodiments, the cathode can comprise a layered potassium intercalated transition metal oxide, potassium intercalated transition metal oxide, potassium intercalated phosphate, potassium intercalated iron hexacyanoferrate (prussian blue, prussian white), pre-potassiated sulfur, pre-potassiated multivalent metal fluorides, pre-potassiated multivalent metal sulfides, or pre-potassiated multivalent metal oxides. In some cases, the cathode can be selected from the group consisting of: Li2S; Li2S / C composite; lithiated sulfurized polyacrylonitrile; LiF / Fe composite; LiF / Co composite; LiF / Cu composite; LiF / Ni composite; LiF / Li2O / Fe composite; LiF / Li2O / Fe / Co composite; lithiated FeS2; lithiated FeS4; lithiatedFeS6.

[0104] In some cases, the energy device can comprise an anode. The anode of the energy device can be made of an anode material that can provide a current. The anode material can be a material intercalated with a cation. The cation can be lithium ion.

[0105] In some cases, the anode can be made of an anode material capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction. In some cases, the anode comprises an anode material, such as graphite, graphene, Al, Cu, Si, Sn, SiOx, SnOx, P, lithium titanium oxide (LTO), hard carbon, or soft carbon, or a combination thereof.

[0106] In some cases, the anode can comprise an anode material, such as graphite, graphene, Al, Cu, Si, Sn, SiOx, SnOx, P, lithium titanium oxide (LTO), hard carbon, or soft carbon, or a combination thereof. The anode can be a Li -containing material. The Li -containing material can be Li metal foil, Li metal on Cu foil, Li metal on carbon substrate, Li metal on porous metal substrate, or Li metal on porous carbon substrate.

[0107] In some embodiments, the anode can comprise metal electrodes, for example, Li, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Al, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the anode can comprise The anode material can also be a Li metal foil, Li metal on Cu foil, Li metal on carbon substrate, Li metal on porous metal substrate, or Li metal on porous carbon substrate, etc.

[0108] In some embodiments, the anode can comprise materials capable of hosting metal ions, including but not limited to Li+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Al3+, or other metal ions.

[0109] In some embodiments, the anode can comprise one or more of the following materials: graphite, Li4Ti50i2, Si, Sn, P, hard carbon, soft carbon, Al, or combinations thereof, for use in a Li-ion battery. In some embodiments, the anode can comprise one or more of the following materials: Sn, P, hard carbon, soft carbon, or combinations thereof, for use in a Na-ion battery. In some embodiments, the anode can comprise one or more of the following materials: graphite, Sn, P, hard carbon, soft carbon, or combinations thereof, for use in a K-ion battery.

[0110] In some embodiments, the energy device can comprise an anode-free battery. In some cases, the one or more electrodes in the energy device may comprise a single electrochemically active electrode and a foil. In some cases, the single electrochemically active electrode may be a cathode. In some cases, the cathode can comprise any cathode disclosed herein.

[0111] In some cases, the energy device may comprise an electrolyte. The electrolyte can be made of a material that enables cation transport between the electrodes of the energy device. When the energy device is coupled with the acoustic device of the present disclosure, the electrolyte can be perturbed by the generated acoustic waves. The electrolyte material can be a solid, a liquid, a gel, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the electrolyte can be a nonaqueous electrolyte, aqueous electrolyte, semi-solid electrolyte, liquified gas electrolyte, or polymer gel electrolyte. The electrolyte material can be a porous material, such that cations or charge carriers can diffuse through the electrolyte. For example, the electrolyte material can be a porous material with an average pore diameter suitable for Li ion diffusion. In some cases, theelectrolyte can comprise a salt. In some cases, the salt can comprise a lithium salt. In some embodiments, the electrolyte can comprise lithium salt containing water, carbonate solvents, ether solvents, ionic liquids, sulfone-based solvents, or phosphate-based solvents. In some cases, the lithium salt comprises lithium carbonate, lithium sulfate, lithium perchlorate, lithium phosphate, lithium fluorophosphate, lithium nitrate, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the lithium salt comprises LiPF6, LiFSI, LiSCE, LiClCE, or LiNCE. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may be present at a concentration of at least about 100 mM, at least about 1 M, at least about 2 M, at least about 3 M, at least about 4 M, at least about 5 M, at least about 6 M, at least about 7 M, at least about 8 M, at least about 9 M, at least about 10 M, at least about 15 M, or at least about 20 M. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may be present at a concentration of at most about 20 M, at most about 15 M, at most about 10 M, at most about 9 M, at most about 8 M, at most about 7 M, at most about 6 M, at most about 5 M, at most about 4 M, at most about 3 M, at most about 2 M, at most about 1 M, or at most about 100 mM.

[0112] In some cases, the electrolyte material can be an aqueous electrolyte, such as an ionic liquid. The ionic liquid can be a quaternary amine, such as imidazolium, NH4+, pyrrolidinium, or piperidinium. In some cases, a nonaqueous electrolyte may be present. In some cases, the nonaqueous electrolyte may comprise a carbonate, an ether, a phosphate, a sulfone, an ionic liquid, an amide, a ketone, an ester, an alcohol, an aromatic, or the like. In some cases, the carbonate may comprise ethylene carbonate (EC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), or the like. In some cases, the ether may comprise diethyl ether (DEE), tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxolane (DIOX), or the like. In some cases, the phosphate may comprise trimethyl phosphate (TMP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), or the like. In some cases, the sulfone may comprise sulfolane, 1,3 -propane sulfone, or the like. In some cases, the ionic liquid may comprise an imidazolium -based salt, pyridinium-based salt, or the like. In some cases, the amide may comprise N,N- dimethylformamide (DMF), N-methylacetamide (NMA), or the like. In some cases, the ketone may be acetone, 2,3 -butanedione, or the like. In some cases, the ester may be ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, or the like. In some cases, the alcohol may be methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, or the like. In some cases, the nonaqueous electrolyte may comprise an aromatic solvent, such as toluene, xylene, or the like. In some embodiments, the electrolyte material can comprise an electrolyte composition comprising at least two electrolytes. In some embodiments, a first electrolyte and a second electrolyte of the at least two electrolytes may be present in a ratio. In some cases, the ratio may be about 1 : 100, about 1 :50, about 1 :25, about 1 :20, about 1 :10, about 1 :9, about 1 :8, about 1 :7, about 1 :6, about 1 :5, about 1 :4, about 1 :3, about, 1 :2, about1 :1, about 2:3, about2:5, about 2:7, about 2:9, about 3 :5, about 3 :7, about 3 :8, about 4:5, about 4:7, about 4:9, or about 5 :7. In some cases, the electrolyte composition may comprise ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC). In some cases, the ratio of EC to EMC may be about 1 :1, about 1 :2, about 1 :3, about 1 :4, about 1 :5, about2:3, about2:5, about 3 :5 or about 3 :7.

[0113] The acoustic device can be positioned relative to an electrode gap or direction of cation flow within the energy device. In some embodiments, the acoustic device can be placed with respect to a central axis or plane of the energy device. The axes or planes can correspond to a direction of cation flow. The acoustic waves can be streamed in a direction substantially parallel, antiparallel, orthogonal, or a combination thereof, to the electrode gap or the direction of cation flow (e.g., Li+). A combination of acoustic devices can be used to generate acoustic waves in a plurality of directions (e.g., parallel and / or orthogonal to the direction of Li+migration). An acoustic device can provide an acoustic streaming direction that is independent of the position of battery tabs of the energy device. Alternatively, an acoustic device can provide an acoustic streaming direction that depends on the position of the battery tabs of the energy device.

[0114] In some embodiments, a coupling agent can be used to secure the acoustic device to the energy device. In some cases, the coupling agent establishes a connection between the housing of the acoustic device and an external surface of the energy device. The coupling agent can be a chemical agent or a physical mechanism. The coupling agent can partially or entirely fill a gap between the energy device and the acoustic device.

[0115] The acoustic device can be assembled, mounted, or integrated adjacent to the energy device in a number of configurations. The acoustic device can be mounted relative to a center (e.g., centered or slightly offset from the center) of the energy device. In some cases, the acoustic device can be mounted adjacent to an edge of the energy device, such that the acoustic device is offset from the center of the energy device. In some cases, the coupling agent can be aligned with the acoustic device. In other cases, the coupling agent need not be aligned to the acoustic device. The acoustic device can be mounted over an external surface of the energy device. The external surface can be planar or non-planar. When the energy device is a cylindrical device, the acoustic device can be mounted over the rounded surface. The external surface can be the largest surface of the energy device. In some cases, the external surface can be the smallest surface of the energy device.

[0116] Each of the energy device, acoustic device, and coupling agent (when present) can comprise a plurality of dimensions, such as a length, a width (e.g., a thickness), and a height. Each of the dimensions of the energy device, acoustic device, and coupling agent (when present)can be the same. In some cases, the dimensions of at least two of the energy device, acoustic device, and coupling agent can be different. In some cases, each of the dimensions of the energy device, acoustic device, and coupling agent can be different.

[0117] Multiple acoustic devices can be integrated into an acoustic module. Multiple acoustic devices can be coupled to (e.g., mounted) an energy device. Each of the multiple acoustic devices can be mounted onto an external surface of the energy device. In some cases, each of the multiple acoustic devices may be mounted onto one external surface of the energy device. In some cases, the multiple acoustic devices can be mounted onto the external surface such that the multiple acoustic devices interface with at least two external surfaces of the energy device. The at least two external surfaces can be parallel to each other. The at least two external surfaces can be opposite to one another. The at least two external surfaces can be orthogonal to one another. Alternatively, the at least two external surfaces can be orthogonal to one another.

[0118] Energy systems, such as batteries, battery modules, battery packs, fuel cell apparatuses, or electrochemical cell apparatuses, can utilize the acoustic devices herein. To accommodate the larger energy systems, individual cells (e.g., battery cells, fuel cells, electrochemical cells) can be individually integrated with an acoustic device (or multiple acoustic devices), then assembled to form a larger module or pack that can be integrated alongside (e.g., externally) to the energy system. The module or pack can be in electronic communication with the energy system. In some cases, a plurality of acoustic devices can be assembled within the module or pack, such that the module or pack can be integrated alongside (e.g., externally) to the energy system. In some cases, two to five hundred acoustic devices may be assembled together. In some cases, over five hundred acoustic devices can be used with the energy system. The energy systems, in turn, can be integrated into one or more products (e.g., consumer electronics such as mobile devices and laptops, electric vehicles, electric vertical take-off and landing aircrafts (eVTOLs), drones, manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, delivery robots, e-bicycles, e-scooters, robotics or robots, grid energy storage, and the like).

[0119] Provided herein are methods for assembling an energy system using the acoustic devices herein. A method can comprise providing at least one acoustic device. The at least one acoustic device can comprise an acoustic wave generator and a housing enclosing the acoustic wave generator. The method can involve operably coupling the at least one acoustic device to an energy device, thus forming or constructing the energy system. The housing of the at least one acoustic device can be attached to the external surface of the energy device. In some cases, the method can further comprise incorporating the energy system as described above into one or more products. In some cases, the method can comprise using at least one controller to controlthe acoustic wave generator. The controller enables control over the features of the acoustic waves to improve energy device performance for the one or more products.

[0120] In some embodiments, the energy system can comprise a sensor or detector to monitor one or more parameters of the energy device and a change of the one or more parameters. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters may comprise a porosity of the electrode and / or capacitor, a capacity of the energy device, a bulk impedance of the energy device, an interface impedance of the energy device, or a thickness of interphase layers.

[0121] In some embodiments, the sensor or detector can monitor the one or more parameters and / or a variance thereof of the energy device during and / or after a wetting process. In some embodiments, the acoustic waves can interact with the energy device (e.g., electrodes) and generate a feedback signal. In some embodiments, the sensor or detector can generate a signal indicative of the one or more parameters of the energy device. In some embodiments, the sensor or detector can send a signal to the acoustic device. In some embodiments, the feedback signal can be detected by a standalone sensor or detector. In some embodiments, based on the feedback signal, the acoustic device can modify one or more parameters of the acoustic waves (e.g., power, frequency, etc.) and / or operation parameters (e.g., temperature, duration, etc.).Computer Systems

[0122] The present disclosure provides computer systems that are programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a computer system 401 that is programmed or otherwise configured to control the acoustic waves or receive an output from a device, system or apparatus according to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the computer system 401 may be configured to receive output from an acoustic device or an energy system as described herein. The computer system 401 can regulate various aspects of generating acoustic waves of the present disclosure, such as, for example, frequency, wavelength, amplitude or power, types of waveforms. The computer system 401 can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the acoustic device or acoustic module according to the disclosure. The electronic device can be a mobile electronic device.

[0123] The computer system 401 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 405, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 401 also includes memory or memory location 410 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 415 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 420 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 425, such as cache, other memory, data storage and / or electronic display adapters. The memory 410, storage unit415, interface 420 and peripheral devices 425 are in communication with the CPU 405 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 415 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 401 can be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 430 with the aid of the communication interface 420. The network 430 can be the Internet, an internet and / or extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 430 in some cases is a telecommunication and / or data network. The network 430 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 430, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 401, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 401 to behave as a client or a server.

[0124] The CPU 405 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 410. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 405, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 405 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 405 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[0125] The CPU 405 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 401 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0126] The storage unit 415 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 415 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 401 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 401, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 401 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0127] The computer system 401 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 430. For instance, the computer system 401 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., personal health device, laptop, monitoring device, or any other device commonly used by a health practitioner). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android -enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 401 via the network 630.

[0128] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 401,such as, for example, on the memory 410 or electronic storage unit 415. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 405. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 415 and stored on the memory 410 for ready access by the processor 405. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 415 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 410.

[0129] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre -compiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0130] Aspects of the systems andmethods provided herein, such as the computer system 401, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and / or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk.“Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non -transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non -transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0131] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may beused to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH -EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0132] The computer system 401 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 635 that comprises a user interface (UI) 440 for providing. Examples of UFs include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface.

[0133] Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 405.Methods

[0134] In some aspects, provided herein are methods of improving electrolyte wetting. In some cases, the method comprises generating a plurality of acoustic waves. In some cases, the method further comprises streaming the plurality of acoustic waves into an energy device. In some cases, the method further comprises improving electrolyte wetting or improving wetting of an electrolyte with (i) a separator and / or (ii) one or more electrodes in the energy device. In some cases, the method further comprises reducing wetting time of an electrolyte with (i) a separator and / or (ii) one or more electrodes in the energy device.

[0135] In some aspects, methods of enhancing charge rates, increasing energy storage, increasing an energy device lifetime, and decreasing safety risks are provided herein. The acoustic module and the acoustic device(s) may increase charge rates by at least about 2X, at least about 3X, at least about 4X, at least about 5X, at least about 6X, at least about 7X, at least about 8X, at least about 9X, or at least about 10X in comparison to standard energy devices in the market (e.g., commercially available batteries) or energy devices without the acousticmodule or acoustic device. The acoustic module and the acoustic device(s) may increase an energy storage of the energy device by at least about 2X, at least about 3X, at least about 4X, at least about 5X, at least about 6X, at least about 7X, at least about 8X, at least about 9X, or at least about 10X in comparison to standard energy devices in the market or energy devices without the acoustic module or acoustic device. The acoustic module and the acoustic device(s) may increase an energy device lifetime by at least about 2X, at least about 3 X, at least about 4X, at least about 5X, at least about 6X, at least about 7X, at least about 8X, at least about 9X, or at least about 10X in comparison to standard energy devices in the market or energy devices without the acoustic module or acoustic device. The acoustic modules and acoustic devices may decrease the risk of hazards associated with battery use, such as shorting and combustion of device components upon exposure to air and / or moisture.

[0136] As used in the specification and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a cell” includes a plurality of cells, including mixtures thereof.

[0137] As used herein, the term “about” a number refers and to that number plus or minus 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, of that number.

[0138] As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or at least 99.9% met.EXAMPLES

[0139] Example 1 : A pouch cell with multiple alternative stackings of cathodes and anodes, was assembled. The pouch cell was in a stacked configuration. In this configuration, the cathode, separator, and anode are stacked on top of each other in a vertical arrangement. It is a straightforward and widely used stacking method, with each layer directly contacting the adjacent layer. The stacked configuration allows for a compact design and efficient use of space within the pouch cell. The pouch cell also had an electrolyte of an alkali metal ion salt. Additional pouch cell cells had electrolytes in a mixture of alkali metal ion salts dissolved in a combination of carbonate-based solvents. The alkali metal ion salts included lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonyl imide (LiTFSI), and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide. The carbonate-based solvents included ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC).In some pouch cells, additives were included. The additives included fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), silyl derivatives, allyl derivatives, and borate derivatives. The concentration of the electrolytes ranged from 1 M to 15 M of alkali metal ion salts in the alkali metal ion solvating solvents above.

[0140] Example 2: A pouch cell has multi-layers of cathodes, separators and anodes. The pouch cell also has an electrolyte of alkali metal ion salts or a mixture of alkali metal ion salts that are dissolved in ether-based solvents. The solvents can include dimethoxy ethane (DME), 1,3 - dioxolane (DOL), oligoethers, and low molecular weight polyethylene oxide (PEO) like glymes and their derivatives. The salts can include metal ions in combination with different anion derivatives like imides, amides, phosphates, oxalates, borates, and sulfates. The pouch cell can include additives, co-solvent, or diluent, such as hydrofluoroethers like HFE, BTFE (Bis(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl) ether), TTE (1,1, 2, 2 -tetrafluoro ethyl -2, 2, 3, 3 -tetrafluoropropyl ether), etc.

[0141] Example 3: The electrolyte can include highly concentrated systems with metal salts or combination of metal salts with the carb onate -based solvents, ester-based solvent, water-based solvent or ether-based solvents. The concentration of the highly concentrated electrolytes is on the order of more than 5 M. The concentrated electrolytes and its derivative localized high concentration electrolytes are made with a carbonate-based solvents, ester-based solvent, or ether-based solvents and the addition of the hydrofluoroethers as diluents.

[0142] Example 4: A pouch cell with has multi layers of cathodes, separators and anodes was prepared. An electrolyte solution of LiPF6in a 3:7 (volume ratio) ethylene carbonate (EC): ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC) was injected into the pouch cell.

[0143] The impedance of cells with or without acoustic devices were measured at regular time intervals over a period for the cells after the addition of electrolyte 1 M LiPF6EC / EMC (3:7) by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results were plotted, as in FIG. 5. The EIS measurement was taken every 5 minutes during wetting at room temperature for both cells: one with (SAW cell) and one without (No SAW cell) the SAW device of the present disclosure. The SAW device has an output frequency of 20 MHz and a power of 100 mW, in a sine wave form. The EIS technique gave valuable information regarding the extent of wetting in the cells. The intercept point of imaginary zero by the real axis was taken as the bulk impedance value of the cells. The cell with the SAW device consistently showed considerably lower bulk impedance value compared to the cell without the SAW device over the entire course of monitoring. The low bulk impedance of the cell with the SAW device indicates that the application of SAW contributed to proper and uniform wetting of the cell within the same time frame and that the SAW cell attains the proper wetting of the cell quicker than the cell without the SAW device.

[0144] Nyquist curves of pouch cells with and without the SAW device were collected and plotted in FIG. 6. The Nyquist curves illustrate that the energy devices equipped with a SAW device exhibited a lower resistance. The Nyquist curves illustrate the impedance measurement of the cells with (SAW cell) and without the SAW (No SAW cell) device after wetting with the commercial electrolyte for 300 minutes. An EIS measurement was taken after 300 minutes of wetting for both cells. The intercept point of imaginary zero by the real axis was taken as the bulk impedance value of the cells. The Nyquist plots revealed a straight line with a slope consistent with the diffusion of the electrolyte . The linear Nyquist curve indicates that no other interactions occurred at the electrode interface. The cell with the SAW device showed considerably lower bulk impedance compared to the cell without the SAW device. The low bulk impedance of the cell with the SAW device was attributed to the use of SAWs to wet the cell properly and uniformly, as compared to the cell without a SAW device over the same period of time. The data illustrate that the use of a SAW device results in much quicker wetting of the cell.

[0145] Example 5: A pouch cell with multi-layers of cathodes, separators and anodes was prepared. Electrolyte solutions of varying concentrations of LiFSI (e.g., 5 M, 10 M, and 15 M) in DME were introduced into each of the pouch cells.

[0146] As the concentration of lithium was increased, the bulk impedance of the cells also increased over the period of wetting with the concentrated ether-based electrolytes. The impedance values were measured at regular time intervals over a time period for the cells. The EIS measurement was taken for every 5 minutes during the wetting at room temperature for all cells. The impedance measurements were plotted in FIG. 7. As the concentration of the electrolyte increased, the bulk impedance of the cell increased owing to increased viscosity or surface tension, making it more difficult for the electrolyte to penetrate the porous structures of the electrodes and separators. This reduced wetting capability can create barriers to ion transport within the cell, leading to higher bulk impedance. Incomplete and inhomogeneous wetting can result in poor contact between the electrolyte and the electrode or separator surfaces. This inadequate contact can lead to higher interfacial resistance, hindering the efficient transfer of ions between the electrode and electrolyte and further increasing the bulk impedance. A comparison of the curves indicated that there was a greater change in impedance over the time as the concentration of the electrolyte solution increased. The stable or steady state impedance value was roughly taken as a measure to estimate the wetting of the cells and the time to achieve the stable impedance was correlated to the wetting time of that cell. The cell with the lowest concentration (5 M LiFSI) attained a stable impedance value earlier than the cells with higher concentrations of the electrolyte (e.g., 10 M or 15 M LiFSI).

[0147] Nyquist curves of the energy devices with or without the SAW device with an electrolyte of 10 MLiFSI in DME were collected and are presentedin FIG. 8. As in FIG. 8, the impedance measurement of the cells with (SAW cell) and without (No SAW cell) the SAW device after wetting with the highly concentrated electrolyte 10 M LiFSI in DME for 300 minutes were compared. An EIS measurement was taken after 300 minutes of wetting for both the cells. The intercept point of imaginary zero by the real axis was taken as the bulk impedance value of the cell under study. The Nyquist plots revealed a linear region with a slope revealing simple diffusion of the electrolyte. The measured impedance values illustrated the advantageous effects the SAW has on the wetting of the cells, especially when using highly concentrated electrolyte. Owing to their high viscosity the concentrated electrolytes fell short in complete wetting of the cells. As in FIG. 8, the cell with the SAW device showed considerably lower bulk impedance compared to the cell without the SAW device. The observed lower bulk impedance of the cell with the SAW device showed the use of SAW device improved the wetting process of the cells when concentrated electrolyte systems were used. The application of SAW causes the concentrated electrolyte to overcome the diffusion limitations and force its way to occupy most of the available percolation porous pathways in the electrode architecture, resulting in proper and uniform wetting of the cell. The impedance data also illustrates that with the application of the SAW the comparative extent of wetting of the cells can be attained much quicker than the cells without SAW within the same time frame.

[0148] When the concentration of electrolyte was increased from 10 M to 15 M LiFSI in DME (FIG. 9), the bulk impedance also increased. EIS measurements were collected and plotted in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 describes the experiment pertaining to the monitoring of the change in bulk impedance over a period during the wetting of the cells with a highly concentrated electrolyte system (15 M LiFSI in DME). The impedance values were measured at regular time intervals over a period for the cells with (SAW cell) and without (No SAW cell) the SAW device. The EIS measurement was taken for every 5 minutes during the wetting for both the cells. The cell with the SAW device had significantly lower bulk impedance value compared to the cell without the SAW device over the entire time of monitoring. The low bulk impedance of the cell with the SAW device correlates to the greater extent of wetting achieved with the application of SAW device with this concentrated electrolyte system. Also, from the data it can be deduced that the use of SAW device reduces the time to attain the proper extent of wetting in the cells dealing with highly concentrated electrolytes.

[0149] The figure shows the first impedance measurement of the cells with and without the SAW device after the addition of the super concentrated electrolyte 15 M LiFSI in DME. Theintercept point of imaginary zero by the real axis is taken as the bulk impedance value of the cells. The Nyquist plots reveal a straight line with slope revealing simple diffusion of the electrolyte. The very first impedance measurement itself reveals the positive impact that the application of SAW has with respect to the wetting of the cells which becomes more obvious with the using of highly concentrated electrolyte systems. Due to their high viscosity, it is hard for the concentrated electrolytes to percolate through most of the available porous spaces within the electrode and may not result in the complete wetting of the cells. A comparison of the measured impedances of the cells (with or without the SAW) showed that the cell with the SAW device exhibited a considerably lower bulk impedance as compared to the cell without the SAW device, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0150] The first impedance measurement of the cells with and without the SAW device after the addition of the super concentrated electrolyte 15 M LiFSI in DME was measured and is presented in FIG. 10. The EIS measurement was conducted prior to beginning the experiment (i.e., t = 0 minutes). The intercept point of imaginary zero by the real axis as taken as the bulk impedance value of the cell under study. The Nyquist plots revealed a linear region with a slope revealing simple diffusion of the electrolyte. The initial impedance measurement revealed the improvement of cell performance by way of a low bulk impedance, and the low bulk impedance was attributed to the SAW with respect to the wetting of the cells which becomes more obvious with the using of highly concentrated electrolyte systems. Without being bound by any particular theory, because concentrated electrolyte systems exhibit high viscosity, cells in the presence of 15 M LiFSI were postulated to exhibit incomplete and inhomogeneous wetting. The incomplete and inhomogeneous wetting was postulated to have arisen from the difficulty of concentrated electrolytes to fully percolate through most of the available porous spaces within the electrodes, separator.

[0151] Based on the impedance data in FIG. 10, the cell with the SAW device (SAW cell) showed considerably lower bulk impedance compared to the cell without the SAW device (no SAW cell). Furthermore, the fact that the application of SAW resulting in the lower impedance of the cell from the very first measurement leads to an inference that the wetting times of the cells can be decreased considerably with the use of SAW device. The time to attain proper wetting especially with the use of concentrated electrolyte systems maybe incredibly higher and the application of SAW device can considerably cut down those wetting times.

[0152] Example 6: To test additional wetting times, cells with or without the SAW device as described herein after a wetting time of 750 minutes in the presence of 15 M LiFSI in DME were tested. Nyquist curves of two energy devices equipped with the SAW device (SAW1 celland SAW2 cell, SAW2 had a higher power than SAW1) and one energy device without the SAW device (No SAW Cell) were collected and presented. The Nyquist curves were derived from the impedance measurements of the cells with and without the SAW device after a wetting time of 750 minutes with highly concentrated 15 MLiFSI in DME electrolyte. The measurement was conducted at750 minutes. The intercept point of imaginary zero by the real axis was taken as the bulk impedance value of the cells. The Nyquist plots revealed a linear region with a slope revealing the simple diffusion of the electrolyte. The impedance measurements showed the advantage of the SAW device addition corresponding to the wetting of the cells using highly concentrated electrolyte systems. Based on the curves in FIG. 11, the cells with the SAW device showed a considerably lower bulk impedance when compared to the cell without the SAW device. It can be noted that the wetting of the cell increases with slightly increase of the power of the SAW device, as seen from the impedance data with the cell having SAW device with more power having lower bulk impedance.

[0153] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the disclosure be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, it shall be understood that aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments described herein may be employed in practice. Itis therefore contemplated that the disclosure shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosure and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . An acoustic module comprising: at least one acoustic device configured to be operably coupled to an energy device, wherein the at least one acoustic device comprises an acoustic wave generator configured to generate and stream acoustic waves into the energy device, to improve wetting and / or filling of an electrolyte with (i) a separator and / or (ii) one or more electrodes in the energy device.

2. The acoustic module of claim 1, wherein the acoustic waves are configured to set the electrolyte in motion, which causes the electrolyte to fill or seep into pores or porous spaces within the one or more electrodes in the energy device.

3. The acoustic module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the acoustic waves facilitate formation of a homogenous or uniform stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer at an interface between (i) the electrolyte and (ii) the separator and / or the one or more electrodes.

4. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein an improvement in the electrolyte wetting is characterized at least in part by a reduction in wetting time that the electrolyte takes to wet the one or more electrodes and / or the separator.

5. The acoustic module of claim 4, wherein the reduction in wetting time ranges from about 0.01% to about 99.9% compared to electrolyte wetting without use of the acoustic module.

6. The acoustic module of claim 4, wherein the reduction in wetting time is characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in less than about 0.02 hours to 24 hours, wherein the energy device has a capacity ranging from 1 pWh to 1 MWh.

7. The acoustic module of claim 4, wherein the reduction in wetting time is characterized at least in part by the electrolyte wetting being completed in less than 1 hour, wherein the energy device has a capacity of at least 1 Wh.

8. The acoustic module of any one of claims 4-7, wherein the reduction in wetting time is agnostic to chemistry and / or geometry of the energy device.

9. The acoustic module of any one of claims 4-7, wherein the energy device comprises one or more electrochemical cells having different cell chemistries, and wherein the reduction in wetting time is observable or achievable across the one or more electrochemical cells having the different cell chemistries.

10. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-3, wherein an improvement in the electrolyte wetting is characterized at least in part by an improved electrolyte filling rate of a plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes and / or the separator.11 . The acoustic module of claim 10, wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate comprises the electrolyte filling at least 95% of the plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes in less than 20 minutes.

12. The acoustic module of claim 10, wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate comprises the electrolyte filling at least 80% of the plurality of pores or porous spaces in the one or more electrodes in less than 20 minutes.

13. The acoustic module of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the plurality of pores or porous spaces have a range of sizes and / or shapes.

14. The acoustic module of claim 13, wherein the sizes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces range from about 1 nanometer (nm) to about 500 micrometers (pm).

15. The acoustic module of claim 13, wherein the shapes of the plurality of pores or porous spaces include regular shapes and / or irregular shapes.

16. The acoustic module of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the plurality of pores or porous spaces have a spatial distribution density ranging from about 10 to about 1000 pores per unit volume.

17. The acoustic module of any one of claims 10-16, wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate is agnostic to an electrochemical cell chemistry and / or geometry of the energy device.

18. The acoustic module of any one of claims 10-16, wherein the energy device comprises oneormore electrochemical cells having different cell chemistries, and wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate is observable or achievable across the one or more electrochemical cells having the different cell chemistries.

19. The acoustic module of any one of claims 10-18, wherein the improved electrolyte filling rate is achieved without using a pressure profile process to activate capillary effect of the electrolyte in the plurality of pores or porous spaces.

20. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the energy device has a first bulk impedance that is lower than a second bulk impedance of a comparable energy device without having at least one acoustic device coupled thereto.

21. The acoustic module of claim 20, wherein the first bulk impedance is about 1% to 99% lower than the second bulk impedance.

22. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without using a pressure profile to activate capillary effect of the electrolyte in the cell.

23. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without requiring addition of one or more wetting agents to the electrolyte.

24. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without requiring wetting at elevated temperatures greater than 30 degrees Celsius.

25. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved at ambient temperature and pressure.

26. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved without altering one or more chemical properties of the electrolyte.

27. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the improved wetting of theelectrolyte is achieved without introducing parasitic reactions at an interface between the electrolyte and the one or more electrodes.

28. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the improved wetting of the electrolyte is achieved across a range of viscosities for the electrolyte.

29. The acoustic module of claim 28, wherein the viscosities range from about 0.1 cP to about 50 cP.

30. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the at least one acoustic device comprises a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device.

31. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the at least one acoustic device comprises a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device.

32. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-31, wherein the at least one acoustic device is attached to an exterior and / or interior of the energy device.

33. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-32, wherein the at least one acoustic device is attached to one or more suitable or predefined locations on the energy device.

34. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the one or more electrodes in the energy device comprise a cathode and an anode.

35. The acoustic module of claim 34, wherein the cathode is intercalation chemistry -based or intercalation type-layered.

36. The acoustic module of claim 34, wherein the cathode is conversion chemistry -based.

37. The acoustic module of claim 34, wherein the anode comprises one or more of the following materials: graphite, Li4Ti50i2, Si, Sn, P, hard carbon, soft carbon, Al, or combinations thereof.

38. The acoustic module of claim 34, wherein the anode comprises metal electrodes.

39. The acoustic module of claim 34, wherein the anode comprises materials capable of hosting metal ions, wherein the metal ions are selected from the group consisting of Li+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Al3+, or other metal ions.

40. The acoustic module of claim 34, wherein the electrolyte comprises alkali metal ion salts dissolved in water, organic carbonate solvents, ether solvents, ester solvents, phosphate solvent, sulfonate solvent, ionic liquids, or low molecular weight oligoethers.41 . The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the energy device is an anode-free battery.

42. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the one or more electrodes in the energy device comprise a single electrochemically active electrode and a foil.

43. The acoustic module of claim 42, wherein the single electrochemically active electrode is a cathode.

44. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-43, wherein the electrolyte comprises lithium salt containing water, carbonate solvents, ether solvents, ionic liquids, sulfone -based solvents, or phosphate-based solvents.

45. The acoustic module of any one of claims 1-44, wherein the energy device has different form factors comprising coin cells, pouch cells, cylindrical cells, or prismatic cells .

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