In-situ management of device consumables

Abstract

The present inventions relate to methods, systems, apparatuses, controllers, software, and composition of matter associated with electrochemical cells having consumables, and their method of in-situ replenishment, and with passivation layer(s) of electrode active material.

Description

IN-SITU MANAGEMENT OF DEVICE CONSUMABLESPRIORITY APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 562,030, filed March 6, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and structures such as electrode assemblies for use in energy manipulation (e.g., storage and / or release) devices such as (e.g., secondary) batteries, to energy manipulation (e.g., storage) devices employing such structures, and to methods for manufacturing such structures and energy manipulation devices.

[0003] Batteries (e.g., Lithium-based secondary batteries) are a type of energy manipulation (e.g., storage) device having electrochemical cells in which carrier ions (e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium and / or magnesium ions) travel between a cathode structure and an anode structure through an electrolyte within each electrochemical cell (e.g., voltaic cell) abbreviated herein as “cell.” The anode structure and cathode structure in the cell are separated by a gap. The cell may include a separator structure. The separator structure may be incorporated in the battery cell during assembly of the battery and during battery operation. Anode and cathode current collectors of the respective anode and cathode, pool electric current from the respective active electrochemical electrodes and enable transfer (e.g., flow) of the current to the environment outside the battery.

[0004] There are a number of shortcomings related to (e.g., secondary) batteries and the process of making (e.g., secondary) batteries. Some chemicals utilized by the battery are consumed during its prescribed life, e.g., in the prescribed conditions.

[0005] For example, the electrolyte of batteries contains a number of critical components to work properly in optimized relative amounts, e.g., in just the right amounts. However, some components may enhance some performance attributes while making other attributes worse. A (e.g., ideal) goal would be to use an optimized amount (e.g., just the right amount) of the (e.g., critical) components to optimize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks.

[0006] To curtail the shortcomings, it may be important to address consumption of battery consumables (e.g., FEC), such as carried by (e.g., solutes in) an electrolyte. It may be of interest to design a battery comprising materials and / or structures configured to maintain the requested concentration of consumables in the battery of the prescribed lifetime of the battery (and in its prescribed conditions, e.g., at least in part by facilitating replenishment of the consumables (e.g., FEC) of over the life of the battery. It would be useful to store the consumable in the battery to be released in-situ, e.g., dependent on time and / or relativeconcentration. The consumable from the in-situ reservoir, once released, should be evenly distributed in the cell.SUMMARY

[0007] In some aspects, the present disclosure resolves one or more of the aforementioned hardships and / or shortcomings. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides solutions to curtail the aforementioned hardships and / or shortcomings. The solutions include method(s), device(s), apparatus(es), system(s), and / or design(s). In some aspects, the present inventions relate to method(s), device(s), apparatus(es), system(s), and design(s), utilized for a battery comprising cell(s). Methods, apparatuses, devices, program instructions, and structures, are disclosed herein to curtail the hardships and / or shortcomings.

[0008] In some aspects, disclosed herein is an in-situ storage of the battery consumables outside of the cell and inside the battery housing, e.g., such that the consumable(s) (e.g., FEC) will be released into the cell based at least in part on a time and / or a concentration gradient. A released consumable may be more evenly and / or readily distributed using a cell architecture comprising higher aspect ratio cell (e.g., more elongated cells) such as having horizontally stacked electrodes, as compared to other currently available architectures, such as a relatively wide jelly-roll configuration having a central axis larger than a fundamental length scale (FLS, e.g., diameter or diagonal) of its side, or an electrode stack having a smaller aspect ratio electrodes (less elongated, or square shaped), e.g., that are vertically stacked.

[0009] In some aspects, techniques are disclosed herein for a (e.g., secondary) battery that uses one or more different chemical approaches to keeping (e.g., critical) battery components at the optimized (e.g., correct) concentration at all times throughout the life of the battery cell, by releasing more of the component(s) into the cell (e.g., into the electrolyte) as initial concentration of the component(s) is / are consumed.

[0010] In some aspects, the inventions (e.g., systems and methods) described herein allow (e.g., for a Li-based ion battery (LiB)) to cycle longer with optimum health and without affecting (e.g., any) other necessary battery performance parameters. In an example, in Li- based ion batteries a critical electrolyte component is needed to increase the cycle life of the anode. In an example, in Li-based ion batteries a critical electrolyte component known as fluoroethylene carbonate (4-fluoro-1 ,3-dioxolan-2-one, abbreviated herein as “FEC”) is needed to increase the cycle life of the anode. This can be especially true of a silicon, or silicon-based, anode; but can apply to (e.g., all) Li-based ion batteries anodes in general. As Li-based ion batteries cycle, FEC can be consumed cycle over cycle. In some examples, once the FEC is consumed (e.g., is gone), the battery quickly loses its capacity. As a result, it may be optimal for the electrolyte of a LiB to contain as much FEC as possible. However,FEC can affect other aspects of battery performance such as high temperature gassing and / or cell impedance.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods by which a consumable, such as FEC, is (e.g., ever) present in the electrolyte but (e.g., only) as a free, reactive component such as at from about 1% to about 20% of the total electrolyte volume.

[0012] In some aspects, disclosed herein is a complex of a consumable with a material that will precipitate the consumable out above a certain concentration threshold. For example, once the concentration of the active consumable in the electrolyte drops below the threshold, the precipitated consumable will dissolve into the electrolyte - releasing more free consumable to keep the cell cycling according to its prescribed specification in the prescribed conditions.

[0013] In some aspects, systems and methods are disclosed herein which use complex of FEC with a material that will precipitate it out above a certain concentration threshold. For example, once the concentration of active FEC in the electrolyte drops below an engineered level (e.g., between 1% - 20%), the precipitate will dissolve back into the solution - releasing more free FEC to keep the cell cycling healthily.

[0014] In some aspects, systems and methods are disclosed herein which use complex FEC with a material that will bind the FEC above a certain concentration. For example, once the concentration of active FEC in the electrolyte drops within an engineered level (e.g., between 1% - 20%), the precipitate will dissolve back into the solution releasing free FEC to keep the cell cycling healthily.

[0015] In another aspect, a method of maintaining a concentration of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in an electrolyte of a secondary battery, the secondary battery comprising a battery enclosure, and an electrode assembly and the electrolyte within the battery enclosure, the method comprises: providing the electrolyte having a first concentration of active FEC and a second concentration of a complexed FEC, wherein the complexed FEC comprises inactive FEC bound to a molecule, wherein the bound FEC is configured to: release unbound into the electrolyte in response to the first concentration of active FEC falling below a threshold, and increase the first concentration of active FEC above the threshold by releasing the bound FEC free into the electrolyte.

[0016] In another aspect, a secondary battery comprising a battery enclosure, and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte within the battery enclosure, wherein a concentration of fluoroethylene carbonate in the electrolyte is maintained at least in part by: providing the electrolyte having a first concentration of active FEC and a second concentration of a complexed FEC, wherein the complexed FEC comprises inactive FEC bound to a molecule, wherein the bound FEC is configured to: release unbound into the electrolyte in response tothe first concentration of active FEC falling below a threshold, and increase the first concentration of active FEC above the threshold by releasing the bound FEC free into the electrolyte.

[0017] In another aspect, a device for energy manipulation, the device comprises: a cell comprising an electrode opposing and separated from a counter-electrode by a gap, the electrode comprising an electrode active material that measurably alters its volume as the electrode changes between its charged and discharged states, the cell being electrochemical (e.g., electrolytic), the cell comprising charge carriers and an electrolyte configured to, during use of the device, allow traversal of the charge carriers between the electrode and the counter-electrode; a housing configured to house the cell; an active consumable configured to generate a product in the housing; and a passive consumable configured to convert to the active consumable disposed in the housing, conversion to the active consumable being during a prescribed lifetime of the device (e.g., and prescribed operation of the device). In some embodiments, (A) a largest cell face type of the cell being (e.g., substantially) rectangular, the largest cell face type having a largest surface area among face types of the cell, the device comprising cells similar to the cell, the cells being stacked along a stacking axis (e.g., substantially) normal to the largest cell face type, the cell having a long side and a short side, a largest face type of the housing having the largest surface area among face types of the housing, the stacking axis being (e.g., substantially) parallel to the largest housing face type, (B) the device comprising the cells stacked along the stacking axis (e.g., substantially) normal to the largest cell face type, the cells forming a cell stack, the device comprising a constraint operatively coupled with a side of the cell stack, the constraint being configured to anisotropically constraint expansion of the cell during operation of the device, (C) the electrode comprising electrode active material, the active consumable configured to generate the product comprising at least a portion of a passivation layer operatively coupled with an exposed surface of the electrode active material, the passivation layer being configured to (i) allow the charge carriers to pass through the passivation layer, and (ii) and hinder (e.g., impede) passage of electrons through the passivation layer, (D) wherein the passive consumable is configured to convert to the active consumable based at least in part on at least one threshold, (E) wherein the passive consumable is configured to convert to the active consumable based at least in part on at least one time, on at least one rate, or (F) any combination of (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E). In some embodiments, the passive consumable is disposed in the housing, in an interior surface of the housing facing an interior of the device, at a seal of the device, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the constraint is operatively coupled with a protection layer configured to protect the device from being harmed by an interaction between the constraint and the housing. In some embodiments, the passive consumable isoperatively coupled with the constraint, to a protection layer, to a current collector of the cell, to an endplate of the device, to an insulator of the device, to a separator of the cell, to a divider of the device, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is converted into the active consumable when a concentration of the active consumable falls below a minimum threshold. In some embodiments, the active consumable configured to generate the product in the housing during a prescribed operation of the device. In some embodiments, the threshold comprises a value or a function. In some embodiments, the passive consumable may be converted into the active consumable as a function of time and / or concentration of the active consumable in the cell. In some embodiments, the threshold comprises a concentration threshold, an impedance threshold, a voltage threshold, a temperature threshold, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a concentration is of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the threshold is triggered by an attribute comprising a concentration, impedance, voltage, temperature, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the concentration is: of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for the prescribed operation of the device, a concentration of the active consumable (e.g., FEC) is most about 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 30% of a total volume of the electrolyte in which the active consumable is disposed. In some embodiments, for the prescribed operation of the device, a concentration range of the active consumable is from about % to about 20%, from about 0.25% to about 30%, from about 0.25% to about 5%, from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 15% to about 30%. In some embodiments, for the prescribed operation of the device, a concentration range of the active consumable is from about 1% to about 20% of a total volume of the electrolyte in which the active consumable is disposed. In some embodiments, the active consumable is soluble in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is insoluble in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is soluble in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is soluble in the electrolyte, and / or the passive consumable is confined in a casing. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is soluble in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is confined in a dynamic casing having an adjustable permeability(a) to the active consumable, (b) to the passive consumable, or to a combination of (a) and(b), a permeability being dynamic based at least in part on at least one attribute, the attribute comprising a concentration, impedance, voltage, temperature, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the concentration is: of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, anyplurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the adjustable permeability of the dynamic casing being at least in part by dynamic alteration of pores (e.g., conduits) of the casing based at least in part on the attribute. In some embodiments, the active consumable is soluble in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is insoluble in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, electrolyte comprises salt, solvent, additive, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a halogen salt, a borate salt, an imide salt, a sulfonyl salt, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a carbonate, a propionate, an ethyl acetate, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises Ethylene carbonate (EC), Propylene carbonate (PC), Ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), Diethyl carbonate (DEC), Propyl Propionoate (PP), Ethyl Propionoate (EP), Difluoro ethyl acetate (DFEA), or Methyl (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate (FEMC), any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a carbonate, a nitrile (e.g., mono, bi, and / or thri- nitrile), a cyanide, an ethoxy, an ethylene, a sultone, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), Vinylene carbonate (VC), Vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), Succinonitrile (SN), adiponitrile (AN), 1 ,3,6-hexanetricarbonitrile (HTCN), 1 ,2-Bis(2-cyanoethoxy) ethane (DENE), propane sultone (PS), 1,3-propene sultone (PRS), any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passivation layer may comprise a (e.g., inorganic) salt, an organic compound, a polymer, a resin, a composite, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the salt is of the charge carriers. In some embodiments, the organic compound is made of a carbonate precursor. In some embodiments, the organic compounds comprises, or is generated by, a precursor comprising lithium alkyl carbonates, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), vinylene carbonate (VC), polymerization products thereof, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passivation layer comprises a different chemical form of the charge carriers (e.g., lithium). In some embodiments, the passivation layer deforms during alteration of the device between charged and discharged states of the electrode active material on which the passivation layer is deposited. In some embodiments, the passivation layer deforms such that (e.g., new) passage of electrons from the electrode active material to an exterior of the passivation layer is less hindered. In some embodiments, the passivation layer deforms such that electrons can react with components of the device outside of the electrode active material. In some embodiments, the passivation layer is a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. In some embodiments, the active consumable comprises a carbonate. In some embodiments, the carbonate is a halogen carbonate. In some embodiments, the halogen carbonate is a mono-halogen carbonate. Insome embodiments, the halogen carbonate reacts to form the product and a halogen salt. In some embodiments, the carbonate comprises at least one carbon that constitutes a chiral center. In some embodiments, the carbonate comprises fluoroethylene carbonate. In some embodiments, the active consumable comprises a carbonate having at least one R group; wherein the at least one R group includes an aliphatic portion, an aromatic portion, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the aliphatic portion is branched. In some embodiments, the aliphatic portion is non-branched. In some embodiments, the at least one R group is unsaturated. In some embodiments, the at least one R group is saturate. In some embodiments, the R group is devoid of an atom having at least one lone electron pair. In some embodiments, the at least one R group is devoid of a halogen, a chalcogen, phosphorous, any analog thereof, any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is coupled such that it is not able to (e.g., readily) form the product. In some embodiments, the coupling is with an atom, a molecule, a matrix, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passive consumable becomes passive through chemical binding comprising a covalent bond, polar bond, ionic bond, hydrogen bond, van-der-Waals bond, intercalation, complexation, coordination bonds, dipole-dipole, London dispersion, metallic bonds, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passive consumable becomes passive through chemical binding comprising a polar bond, ionic bond, hydrogen bond, van-der-Waals bond, intercalation, complexation, coordination bonds, dipole-dipole, London dispersion, metallic bonds, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is reversibly coupled and uncoupled. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is coupled dynamically in a dynamic coupling such that it is not able to form the product, and uncoupled with form the active consumable that it is able to form the product. In some embodiments, the dynamic coupling is based at least in part on at least one attribute, the at least one attribute comprising a concentration, impedance, voltage, temperature, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the concentration is: of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the dynamic coupling being at least in part by dynamic alteration of the chemical binding coupling the passive consumable. In some embodiments, the passive consumable is spatially confined in a reservoir such that it is not able to form the product. In some embodiments, a degree of confining the passive consumable is alterable by the threshold, by the at least one rate, and / or by the at least one time. In some embodiments, the reservoir comprises a casing. In some embodiments, release of the passive consumable from the casing is alterable. In some embodiments, (A) porosity of the casing is alterable and / or (B) the casing is configured to release the passive consumablefrom its confinement at an alterable rate. In some embodiments, the active consumable is configured to generate the product in the housing during the prescribed operation of the device. In some embodiments, the side of the cell stack faces the largest face type of the housing. In some embodiments, casing comprises pores configured to allow the passive consumable to pass through; and wherein the release of the passive consumable from the casing is alterable at least in part by altering (i) a size of pores of the casing, (ii) a shape of pores of the casing, (iii) a thickness of the casing, or (iv) any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the reservoir is disposed in the housing of the device, in an interior surface of the housing facing an interior of the device, or at a seal of the device. In some embodiments, the housing is configured to (e.g., hermetically) seal and separate the cell from an exterior environment to the housing. In some embodiments, the seal protects an interior environment of the housing from debris, e.g., dust, other particulate matter, and / or biomatter. In some embodiments, the seal protects an interior environment of the housing from ingress and / or egress of liquids therethrough. In some embodiments, the seal is a fluid tight seal. In some embodiments, the fluid includes gas, semisolid (e.g., gel) and / or liquid. In some embodiments, the counter-electrode comprises a counter-electrode active material. In some embodiments, the counter-electrode active material comprises a metal oxide, or any plurality of types thereof. In some embodiments, the counter-electrode active material comprises cobalt or any plurality of types thereof. In some embodiments, the cell is configured to operate at a central tendency (e.g., average) of a variability in pressure of at most about 20PSI, 50PSI, 100PSI, 500PSI, 1000PSI, 1500PSI, 2000PSI, or 3000PSI. In some embodiments, the cell is configured to operate overpressure is at most about 20 PSI, 50PSI, 100PSI, 500PSI, 1000PSI, 1500PSI, 2000PSI, or 3000PSI. In some embodiments, a maximal pressure measured as a central tendency (e.g., average) of maximal overpressure in an interior volume of the housing and / or as experienced by the cell across a volume of the cell. In some embodiments, an electrode pair comprises the electrode and the counterelectrode, the cell being configured to operate at an overpressure in the housing relative to an ambient pressure external to the housing; and wherein an overpressure and / or a variability in the overpressure, are such that the device (I) complies with one or more jurisdictional standards for operation of the device, (II) is configured to maintain (e.g., electrical) functionality of the device (e.g., in the prescribed lifetime of the device and / or in the prescribed operation conditions of the device), or (III) any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more jurisdictional standards comprise MIL-STD-810G (516.6), UN 38.3, UL 1642, UL 2054, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, maintaining functionality of the device comprises maintain charge and / or discharge of the device to allow current flow relative to the device. In some embodiments, during the prescribed lifetime of the device and in a prescribed conditions of the device, the passive consumable is in anamount that allows the functionality of the device. In some embodiments, the product is (e.g., chiefly) generated during buffering of the device (e.g., first electrochemical cycle of the device). In some embodiments, the product is the passivation layer. In some embodiments, the charge carriers comprise lithium, and generation of the product (e.g., chiefly) occurs during buffering of the device (e.g., first electrochemical cycle of the device). In some embodiments, the product is the passivation layer. In some embodiments, the electrode active material measurably alters its volume as the electrode changes between its charged and discharged states; wherein an alteration of the volume is at most about 6%, 10%, 20%, 100%, 300%, or 400%. In some embodiments, the alteration of the volume is at most about 400%. In some embodiments, the electrode active material measurably alters its volume as the electrode changes by at most about 10%. In some embodiments, the electrode active material measurably alters its volume as the electrode changes between its charged and discharged states; wherein an alteration of the volume is at least about 1%, 2%, 5%, 6%, 10%, 20%, 100%, or 300%. In some embodiments, the alteration of the volume is at least about 1%. In some embodiments, the electrode active material that measurably alters its volume as the electrode changes by at most about 2%. In some embodiments, the device is configured for a fast alteration of its charge state, the fast alteration of its charge state including charging and / or discharging. In some embodiments, the fast alteration C-rating of its charge state comprises at least about 1 C, 2C, 3C, 5C, 7C, 10C, 12C, or 15C, with C representing a capacity of the cell measuring a current divided by a rated battery capacity measured in ampere-hour, the current being of charging or discharging. In some embodiments, the fast alteration C-rating of a charge state of the cell is at least about 1C. In some embodiments, during the prescribed lifetime of the device comprises at least one discharge. In some embodiments, during the prescribed lifetime of the device comprises charge and discharge cycles. In some embodiments, the device is configured such that (i) during the prescribed lifetime of the device comprises buffering of the device and / or (ii) the prescribed conditions of the device comprise buffering of the device. In some embodiments, buffering of the device comprises performing a cycle of loading the electrode active material with the charge carriers. In some embodiments, the electrode is an anode, and the electrode active material comprises graphite, silicon, elemental lithium, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises elemental silicon, silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon carbon mixture, silicon carbon composite, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises a composite material. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises a non-composite material. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises a particulate material. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises two types of an allotrope of elemental carbon. In some embodiments, thetwo types of an allotrope of elemental carbon include hard carbon and / or soft carbon. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises a layered structure. In some embodiments, at least two layers of the layered structure have a material class in common, the material class comprising an allotrope of elemental carbon, a silicon containing material, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrode active material comprises a metal oxide. In some embodiments, the metal oxide comprises cobalt. In some embodiments, the charge carriers comprise cations. In some embodiments, (I) the cations are monovalent cations, (II) the cations are alkali cation and / or alkali earth cations, and / or (III) the cations comprise lithium cations. In some embodiments, the housing is a battery housing (e.g., the housing is a can). In some embodiments, the housing is a solid and / or rigid housing (e.g., the housing is a can). In some embodiments, the housing is a flexible housing (e.g., the housing is a pouch). In some embodiments, the housing comprises an elemental metal, a metal alloy, an allotrope of elemental carbon, a polymer, or a resin. In some embodiments, the housing is configured to (e.g., hermetically) seal and separate the cell from an exterior environment to the housing. In some embodiments, sealing the housing comprises a hermetic seal and / or a tight gas seal. In some embodiments, the housing is configured to (e.g., hermetically) seal the cell such that liquid is unable to flow from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing is configured to (e.g., hermetically) seal and separate the cell from an exterior environment to the housing to curtail (e.g., hinder, or measurably prevent) reactivity of one or more reactive species from an ambient environment with one or more materials of the cell. In some embodiments, the one or more reactive species comprise water, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cell is operatively coupled with a constraint system comprising the constraint, the constraint system being configured to curtail volume change of the cell as it alters its volume during a change between a charged state and a discharged state of the cell. In some embodiments, the constraint system is configured to anisotropically curtail the volume change. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises a constraint including elemental metal, metal alloy, an allotrope of elemental carbon, a polymer, a resin, a plurality of types thereof, and / or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the constraint comprises a composite material. In some embodiments, the constraint comprises a non-composite material. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises one or more perforations. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises an oblong perforation. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises evenly spaced perforations. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises aligned perforations. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises two opposing constraints disposed at opposing sides of the cell, the two opposing constraints facing each other. In some embodiments, the twoopposing constraints are separated from each other by a constraint gap. In some embodiments, the constraint system comprises two opposing constraints disposed at opposing sides of the cell. In some embodiments, the constraint system is configured to anisotropically curtail volume change of the cell it at least one axis as the cell alters its volume. In some embodiments, the constraint system is configured to anisotropically curtail volume change of the cell it at least one axis as the cell alters its volume, the at least one axis being different than a stacking axis along which the electrode and counter-electrodes are stacked in the cell. In some embodiments, the at least one axis being a longest axis of the electrode and / or of the counter-electrode. In some embodiments, the constraint system is configured to anisotropically curtail volume change of the cell it at least one axis as the cell alters its volume, the at least one axis being (e.g., substantially) normal to a stacking axis along which the electrode and counter-electrodes are stacked in the cell. In some embodiments, the at least one axis is one axis. In some embodiments, the cell is operatively coupled with one or more plates, the electrode and the counter-electrode are stacked along a stacking axis, and the one or more plates are stacked along the stacking axis. In some embodiments, the electrode, counter-electrode, and the one or more plates are disposed (e.g., substantially) parallel to each other. In some embodiments, a plate of the one or more plates is disposed distal to the cell and along the stacking axis. In some embodiments, the one or more plates comprise two plates, the two plates being disposed along the stacking axis, at opposing distal sides of the cell. In some embodiments, the electrode and the counter-electrode are stacked along the stacking axis, each of the electrode and counterelectrode having a length along their long axis perpendicular to the stacking axis, a width, and a height perpendicular to the length and to the stacking axis, and a width along the stacking axis; and wherein (I) an aspect ratio of the length to the height is at least about 2:1, 3: 1 , 5: 1 , 6: 1 , 10: 1 , 50: 1 , or 100: 1 , the aspect ratio being of the electrode and / or of the counter-electrode and / or (II) an aspect ratio of the height to width is at least about 5:1, 10:1, 50:1 , 100:1, 500:1 or 1000:1, the aspect ratio being of the electrode and / or of the counterelectrode. In some embodiments, (A) the aspect ratio of the length to the height is at least about 5:1, (B) the aspect ratio of the height to the width is at least about 10:1. In some embodiments, the device is a battery. In some embodiments, the device is a secondary battery. In some embodiments, the housing is a prism comprising a top surface opposing a bottom surface having (e.g., substantially) a surface area of the top surface, wherein the electrode has an electrode surface having a largest surface among its surface types, and wherein the counter-electrode has a counter-electrode surface having a largest surface among its surface types; and wherein the electrode surface and the counter-electrode surface are both disposed parallel to each other and to a side different from the top surface. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a first side surface opposing a second sidesurface having (e.g., substantially) a surface area of the first side surface, a third side surface opposing a fourth side surface having (e.g., substantially) a surface area of the third side surface, the top surface, first side surface, and third side surface being (e.g., substantially) perpendicular to each other, the first side surface being smaller than the third side surface being smaller than the top surface, and wherein (I) the electrode surface and the counter-electrode surface are both disposed parallel to each other and to the first side surface , or (II) the electrode surface and the counter-electrode surface are both disposed parallel to each other and to the third side surface. In some embodiments, the device is configured for electronic applications comprising mobile device, electric vehicle, a guided device, a guiding device, a remote communication device, a control (e.g., remote-control) device, a wireless device, a location device, an wearable device, and inventory device, a sensing device, a medical device, cellular phone, console, laptop, tablet, pen, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the vehicle is at least partially a self-driving vehicle (e.g., has self-driving capabilities). In some embodiments, the electric vehicle is at least partially a self-driving vehicle. In some embodiments, the electric vehicle is at least partially electric. In some embodiments, the vehicles comprise a car, a truck, a plane, a spacecraft, a drone, or any combination thereof.

[0018] In another aspect, a method for energy manipulation comprises: (a) providing any of the above devices; and (b) manufacturing, testing, buffering, storing, transporting, and / or using the device for the energy manipulation.

[0019] In another aspect, an apparatus for using the device of any of the above devices, the apparatus comprises: at least one controller configured for (a) operatively couple with at least one component and with the device; and (b) executing, or directing the at least one component to execute, one or more operations associated with use of the device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to operatively couple with a power source and / or with a communication platform. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one component is of the device.

[0020] In another aspect, one or more non-transitory computer readable media comprising program instruction physically inscribed thereon, the program instructions, when read by one or more processors, are configured to (I) execute, or direct execution of, one or more operations associated with use of the device of any of the above devices, (II) the one or more operations comprising directing at least one component to execute the one or more operations, the one or more processors being configured to operatively coupe with the at least one component, or (III) a combination of (I) and (II). In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one component is of the device.

[0021] In another aspect, a method of fabricating any of the above devices, the method comprises: executing one or more operations to fabricate the device. In some embodiments, fabrication of the device comprises manufacturing.

[0022] In another aspect, an apparatus for fabricating any of the above devices, the apparatus comprises: at least one controller configured for (a) operatively coupling with at least one component; and (b) executing, or directing the at least one component to execute, one or more operations associated with fabrication of the device. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to operatively couple with a power source and / or with a communication platform.

[0023] In another aspect, one or more non-transitory computer readable media comprising program instruction physically inscribed thereon, the program instructions, when read by one or more processors, are configured to (I) execute, or direct execution of, one or more operations associated with fabrication of any of the above devices, (II) the one or more operations comprising directing at least one component to execute the one or more operations, the one or more processors being configured to operatively coupe with the at least one component, or (III) a combination of (I) and (II).

[0024] In another aspect, a system for effectuating the methods, operations of an apparatus, and / or operations inscribed by non-transitory computer readable program instructions (e.g., inscribed on a media / medium), disclosed herein.

[0025] In another aspect, a system for effectuating the methods, operations of an apparatus, operation of a device, and / or operations inscribed by non-transitory computer readable program instructions (e.g., inscribed on a media / medium), disclosed herein.

[0026] In another aspect, device(s) (e.g., apparatus) for effectuating the methods, operations of an apparatus, and / or operations inscribed by non-transitory computer readable program instructions (e.g., inscribed on a media / medium).

[0027] In other aspects, systems, apparatuses (e.g., controller(s)), and / or non-transitory computer-readable program instructions (e.g., software) that implement any of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the program instructions are inscribed on at least one medium (e.g., on a medium or on media).

[0028] In other aspects, methods, systems, apparatuses (e.g., controller(s)), and / or non- transitory computer-readable program instructions (e.g., software) that implement any of the devices disclosed herein and / or any operation of these devices. In some embodiments, the program instructions are inscribed on at least one medium (e.g., on a medium or on media).

[0029] In another aspect, an apparatus comprises at least one controller that is configured (e.g., programmed) to direct a mechanism used in a methodology disclosed herein to implement (e.g., effectuate) any of the method and / or operations disclosed herein, wherein the controller(s) is operatively coupled with the mechanism. In some embodiments, thecontroller(s) implements any of the methods and / or operations disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller comprises, or be operatively coupled with, a hierarchical control system. In some embodiments, the hierarchical control system comprises at least three, four, or five, control levels. In some embodiments, at least two operations are performed, or directed, by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are each performed, or directed, by a different controller.

[0030] In another aspect, an apparatus comprises at least one controller configured (e.g., programmed) to implement (e.g., effectuate), or direct implementation of the method, process, and / or operation disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller implements any of the methods, processes, and / or operations disclosed herein.

[0031] In another aspect, non-transitory computer readable program instructions, when read by one or more processors, are configured to execute, or direct execution of, the method, process, and / or operation disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller implements any of the methods, processes, and / or operations disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more processors is part of a mechanism, outside of the mechanism, or in a location remote from the mechanism disclosed herein (e.g., in the cloud).

[0032] In another aspect, a system comprises an apparatus and at least one controller configured (e.g., programmed) to direct operation of the apparatus, wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled with the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes any apparatus or device disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller implements, or direct implementation of, any of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller directs any apparatus (or component thereof) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., instructions) of the apparatus are directed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., instructions) of the apparatus are directed by different controllers. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., instructions) are carried out by the same processor and / or by the same sub-computer software product. In some embodiments, at least two of operations (e.g., instructions) are carried out by different processors and / or by different sub-computer software products.

[0033] In another aspect, a computer software product, comprising a (e.g., non-transitory) computer-readable medium / media in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer, cause the computer to direct a mechanism used to implement (e.g., effectuate) any of the method disclosed herein, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium is operatively coupled with the mechanism. In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises an apparatus or an apparatus component.

[0034] In another aspect, a computer system comprising one or more computer processors and non-transitory computer-readable medium / media coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium / media comprises machineexecutable code that, upon execution by the one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods and / or operations (e.g., as disclosed herein), and / or effectuates directions of the controller(s) (e.g., as disclosed herein).

[0035] In another aspect, a method comprises executing one or more operations associated with at least one configuration of the mechanism(s) (e.g., device(s)) disclosed herein.

[0036] In another aspect, an apparatus comprises at least one controller is configured (i) operatively couple to the device, and (ii) direct executing one or more operations associated with at least one configuration of the device(s) disclosed herein.

[0037] In another aspect, at least one controller is associated with the methods, devices, and software disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller comprises at least one connector configured to connect to a power source. In some embodiments, the at least one controller being configured to operatively couple with a power source at least in part by (I) having a power socket and / or (II) being configured for wireless power transfer using inductive charging. In some embodiments, the at least one controller comprises a nonvolatile memory, e.g., a solid-state device (SSD) such as a FLASH memory. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is included in, or comprises, a hierarchical control system. In some embodiments, the hierarchical control system comprises at least three hierarchical control levels. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is included in a control system disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to control at least one other component of a mechanism (e.g., system, device, or apparatus) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the device disclosed herein is a component of a system, and wherein the at least one controller is configured to (i) operatively couple to another component of the system and (ii) direct operation of the other component. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to direct operation of the other component at least in part for participation of the other component in a method disclosed herein.

[0038] In another aspect, non-transitory computer readable program instructions for a method disclosed herein, the non-transitory computer readable program instructions, when read by one or more processors operatively coupled with the device, cause the one or more processors to direct executing one or more operations associated with at least one configuration of the device(s) disclosed herein.

[0039] In some embodiments, the program instructions are of a computer product.

[0040] The various embodiments in any of the above aspects are combinable (e.g., within an aspect), as appropriate. Individual features (e.g., embodiments) disclosed herein are combinable in any manner requested and / or desired, as applicable.

[0041] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0042] 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, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0043] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, which is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various implementations, is described in detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example implementations. These drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the concepts disclosed herein and should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

[0045] The novel features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Each of the figures disclosed herein is shown in accordance with some implementations of the subject matter of the disclosure. 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 principlesof the present disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings or figures (also “Fig.” and “Figs.” herein), of which:

[0046] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic example of various cells;

[0047] Fig. 2 depicts schematic examples of folding options for energy manipulation device (e.g., battery) components, and a current collector;

[0048] Fig. 3 depicts schematic examples of devices (e.g., batteries) and cells;

[0049] Fig. 4 depicts schematic examples of cell architectures;

[0050] Fig. 5 depicts schematic exploded views of device (e.g., battery) components;

[0051] Fig. 6 depicts illustrative examples of device (e.g., battery) components;

[0052] Fig. 7 shows images and exploded view of device (e.g., battery) components;

[0053] Fig. 8 shows images of device (e.g., battery) components;

[0054] Fig. 9 schematically shows various stages of a cell;

[0055] Fig. 10 shows pre-charging of cells;

[0056] Fig. 11 depicts experimental results of battery cycle tests;

[0057] Fig. 12 schematically shows processes during cell cycling;

[0058] Fig. 13 depicts projected and experimental results of battery cycle tests;

[0059] Fig. 14 is an illustrative flowchart of a process for converting an inactive consumable to an active consumable;

[0060] Fig. 15 is an illustrative flowchart of a process for converting an inactive consumable to an active consumable;

[0061] Fig. 16 depicts a schematic example of a control system; and

[0062] Fig. 17 depicts a schematic example of a processing system.

[0063] The figures and components therein may not be drawn to scale. Various components of the figures described herein may not be drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] While various embodiments of the inventions have been shown, and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein might be employed. The various embodiments disclosed herein are combinable, as appropriate.

[0065] Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in anembodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0066] Terms such as “a,” “an” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments in the present disclosure, but their usage does not delimit to the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. The term “includes” means includes but not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to, and the term “based on” means based at least in part on.

[0067] An immediately consecutive second feature to a first feature is devoid of another feature disposed therebetween, the features being of the same type. The feature can be a real-life feature, a calculated feature, or any other virtual feature.

[0068] When ranges are mentioned, the ranges are meant to be inclusive, unless otherwise specified. For example, a range between value 1 and value 2 is meant to be inclusive and include value 1 and value 2. The inclusive range will span any value from about value 1 to about value 2. The term “adjacent” or “adjacent to,” as used herein, includes “next to,” “adjoining,” “in contact with,” and “in proximity to.” When ranges are mentioned (e.g., between, at least, at most, and the like) the endpoint(s) of the range is / are also claimed. For example, when the range is from X to Y, the values of X and Y are also claimed. For example, when the range is at most Z, the value of Z is also claimed. For example, when the range is at least W, the value of W is also claimed.

[0069] The conjunction “and / or” as used herein in “X and / or Y” - including in the specification and claims - is meant to include the options (i) X, (ii) Y, and (iii) X and Y, as applicable. The phrase “including X, and / or Y” is meant to have the same meaning as the phrase “comprising X or Y” under currently prevailing US law.

[0070] The term “operatively coupled,” “operatively configured,” or “operatively connected” refers to a first mechanism that is coupled (or connected) to a second mechanism to allow the intended operation of the second and / or first mechanism. The coupling may comprise physical or non-physical coupling. The non-physical coupling may comprise signal-induced coupling (e.g., wireless coupling).

[0071] The phrase “is / are structured” or “is / are configured,” when modifying an article, refers to a structure of the article that can bring about the referred result.

[0072] The symbol “*” designates the mathematical operation of multiplication, e.g., “times.”

[0073] Fundamental length scale (abbreviated herein as “FLS”) comprises any suitable scale (e.g., dimension) of an object. For example, an FLS of an object may comprise a length, a width, a height, a diameter, a spherical equivalent diameter, a diameter of a bounding circle, a diameter equivalent of a bounding sphere.

[0074] Performing a reversible first operation is understood herein to mean performing the first operation and being capable of performing the opposite operation to that first operation (e.g., which is a second operation). For example, when a controller directs reversibly opening a shutter, that shutter can also close, and the controller can optionally direct a closure of that shutter. For example, when an attractor reversibly binds to a charge carrier, that attractor can also release that charge carrier after its binding.

[0075] While the disclosure refers to a cathode as an electrode, the electrode may be an anode, as applicable.

[0076] While various portions herein may refer for simplicity to a battery as an energy storage device, that disclosure is extended to any another energy storage device, as applicable.

[0077] As noted above, implementations of the present disclosure can relate to (e.g., secondary) batteries, the structures that make up the (e.g., secondary) batteries, and the methods and processes for manufacturing the structures and batteries. As used herein, the term “anode” used in the context of a (e.g., secondary) battery may refer to the negative electrode in a (e.g., secondary) battery. “Anode material” or “anodically active” as used herein may refer to a material or materials suitable for use as the negative electrode of a (e.g., secondary) battery. The term “cathode” as used herein in the context of a (e.g., secondary) battery may refer to the positive electrode in a (e.g., secondary) battery. “Cathode material” or “cathodically active” as used herein may refer to a material or materials suitable for use as the positive electrode of a (e.g., secondary) battery.

[0078] In some implementations described herein, the term “electrode” may be used to refer to either the anode or the cathode, and the term “counter-electrode” may refer to the other or opposite. For the sake of explanation, implementations may be described in terms of “electrode” and “counter-electrode.” It should be appreciated that in these implementations, the term electrode may be replaced by the term anode while the term counter-electrode may be replaced by the term cathode, as applicable. Alternatively, in these implementations, the term electrode may be replaced by the term cathode while the term counter-electrode may be replaced by the term anode, as applicable.

[0079] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device may comprise at least one battery. The battery may comprise one or more cells. The battery may be a rechargeable battery, e.g., a secondary battery. The charge carriers of the battery may comprise alkali earth, alkali cations, a plurality of types of any thereof, or any combination thereof. In an example, the battery comprises charge carriers such as lithium charge carriers.

[0080] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device may comprise at least one battery. The battery may comprise one or more cells. The battery may be a rechargeable battery, e.g., a secondary battery. The charge carriers of the battery may comprise alkaliearth, alkali cations, a plurality of types of any thereof, or any combination thereof. In an example, the battery comprises charge carriers such as lithium charge carriers. In some embodiments, charge carriers may comprise carrier ions. In some embodiments, carrier ions are provided to positive electrodes and / or negative electrodes by carrier ion supply layers. Carrier ion supply layers may comprise one or more sources of lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions, calcium ions, magnesium ions, aluminum ions, and / or similar such ions. The battery may or may not be a polymer type battery such as a lithium polymer type battery.

[0081] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device includes at least one unit cells. The energy manipulation device may comprise a population of unit cells (e.g., also referred to herein as a “set of cells”). The device may comprise an electrode connector operatively coupled with the electrode and a counter-electrode connector operatively coupled with the counter-electrode, with operatively coupled comprising electrically connected. The electrode connector may be also referred to herein as “an electrode terminal,” and the counter-electrode connector may be also referred to herein as “a counterelectrode terminal.” The device may comprise an electrode busbar, a counter-electrode busbar, an electrode terminal operatively coupled with the electrode busbar, and a counterelectrode terminal operatively coupled with the counter-electrode busbar. The electrode and counter electrode of the unit cell are separated by each other by a gap, e.g., to electrically separate the electrode from the counter-electrode. The gap may include a separator configured to (a) electrically isolate the electrode from the counter electrode and (b) allow traversal of charge carriers through the separator. In some embodiments, each unit cell of the set of cells, includes an electrode structure and a counter-electrode structure separated from each other by a gap. One or more (e.g., each) cells of the set of cells, each include a separator disposed in the gap. In some embodiments, the battery includes adjacent electrode sub-units. Each of the electrode sub-units has a dimension in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis, respectively. The X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are each mutually perpendicular, akin to a Cartesian coordinate system. As used herein, dimensions of each electrode sub-unit in the Z-axis may be referred to as a "height", dimensions in the X-axis may be referred to as a "length" and dimensions in the Y-axis may be referred to as a "width." The electrode subunits may be combined into one or more unit cells. A cell can include (a) at least one anodically active material mass (e.g., layer) and / or (b) at least one cathodically active material mass (e.g., layer). In some embodiments, the anodically active material is separated from the cathode by the gap. In some embodiments, the cathodically active material is separated from the anode by the gap. In some embodiments, the cathodically active material is separated from the anodically active material by the gap. The set of cells may comprise at least 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 500 cells. The set of cells may comprise any number of cells between the aforementioned number of cells, e.g., from 2 to500 cells, or from 50 to 500 cells. An active material mass may operatively couple to a current collector. The active material mass may comprise one or more layers. The active material may form a gradient

[0082] In some embodiments, the device includes an electrode busbar and a counterelectrode busbar. The electrode busbar can be operatively coupled with (e.g., electrically connected with) the electrode, e.g., via electrode tab. The counter-electrode busbar is operatively coupled with (e.g., electrically connected with) the counter-electrode, e.g., via counter-electrode tab. The electrode busbar can be operatively coupled with the electrodes of the set of cells, e.g., via electrode tabs. The counter-electrode busbar is operatively coupled with the counter-electrodes of the set of cells, e.g., via counter-electrode tabs. An electrode tab can be an extension of the electrode that is devoid of the electrode active material. A counter-electrode tab can be an extension of the counter-electrode that is devoid of the counter-electrode active material.

[0083] In some embodiments, the device includes a first busbar and a second busbar that are in electrical contact with the anode(s) and the cathode(s), respectively, e.g., via electrode tabs. The electrode tabs on the first side of the stack of cells can be electrically coupled with the first busbar, which may be referred to as an anode busbar. The electrode tabs on the second side of the stack of cells may be electrically coupled with the second busbar, which may be referred to as a cathode busbar. In some embodiments, the first busbar is electrically coupled with a first electrical terminal of the secondary battery, which is electrically conductive. When the first busbar comprises an anode busbar for the device (e.g., battery), the first electrical terminal comprises a negative terminal. In some embodiments, the second busbar is electrically coupled with a second electrical terminal of the device, which is electrically conductive. When the second busbar comprises a cathode busbar for the device, the second electrical terminal comprises a positive terminal of the device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the cell may be coupled with a (e.g., solid) busbar. In some embodiments, the set of cells may be coupled with the (e.g., solid) busbar. The busbar may comprise a (e.g., solid) material of a class. The material class may include an elemental metal, a metal alloy, or an allotrope of elemental carbon, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The busbar may comprise (e.g., solid) material, e.g., including one or more types of materials. At least two types of materials may belong to the same class of materials. At least two types of materials may belong to different classes of materials. A class of material may be a composite or a non-composite material. A class of material may be a tacky material (e.g., a tacky connector), or a solid material (e.g., that is non-tacky). A class of material may be a material that is fluid, or non-fluid, e.g., during manufacture of the energy manipulation device such as a battery. In an example, the (e.g., solid) busbar maycomprise a metal alloy and an elemental metal. In an example, the (e.g., solid) busbar may comprise two types of metal alloys. In an example, the (e.g., solid) busbar may comprise a composite material and a non-composite material. The busbar may comprise any conductive material disclosed herein. In an example, the busbar includes copper (e.g., Cu101) and Inconel (e.g., N178). The material class can be an oxygen free material. The material class may be an electronic grade material.

[0085] In some embodiments, a busbar is attached to the current collector tabs, e.g., the attachment being assisted by the tacky connector. In an example, the busbar contacts the tacky connector that contacts the tab(s). The busbar may have a cross section of a Euclidean shape, e.g., a vertical cross section. The busbar may have a cross section of a geometric planar shape, e.g., a vertical cross section. The shape may include a polygon, an ellipse, a combination thereof and / or a plurality thereof. The polygon may include a rectangle, or a plurality of rectangles. In an example, a vertical cross section of the busbar is a rectangle. In an example, the vertical cross section of the busbar comprises at least two different types of shapes, e.g., rectangles. In an example, the vertical cross section of the busbar comprises at least two types of shapes that are (e.g., substantially) the same, and that are distinct from each other. The two types of shapes may comprise the same type of material or may each be from a different type of material. The two types of shapes may comprise the same class of material or may each be from a different class of material. Two of the shapes may be separated from each other by a gap. Two of the shapes may contact each other. A cross section of the busbar may comprise an indentation, e.g., a depression. The depression may be configured to accommodate (a) folded tab(s) (b) any tacky connector, (c) any welding, or (d) any combination thereof. The depression may be configured to increase adhesion of the tab to the (e.g., solid) busbar. The increased adhesion may be at least in part by increasing the (e.g., solid) busbar’s adhesion to (i) any tacky connector and / or (ii) any welding. A contacting surface of the busbar is an exposed surface of the busbar face(s) configured to contract the (a) the tab(s), (b) any tacky connector, (c) any welding, or (d) any combination thereof. The contacting surface may undergo surface treatment before the contact. The surface treatment may be configured to increase adhesion between the (e.g., solid) busbar and (a) the tab(s), (b) any tacky connector, (c) any welding, or (d) any combination thereof. The surface treatment may comprise roughening of the contacting surface. The surface treatment may comprise etching, scraping, or printing (e.g., 3D printing). The surface treatment may comprise mechanical treatment type, chemical treatment type, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. The (e.g., solid) busbar may comprise one or more perforations (e.g., holes). The perforation(s) may be configured to accommodate dimensionality changes occurring in the cell, e.g., during charging and / or discharging. The dimensionality changes ofthe cell may occur during its (e.g., normal) operation, testing, maintenance, storage, shipping, or any combination thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the cell undergoes pre-loading with charge carriers, e.g., before its regular use. The pre-loading may comprise loading the cell with charge carriers, e.g., “pre-lithiation” in the case of lithium cations being the charge carriers. The pre-loading (also referred herein as “buffering”) may be performed during manufacturing and / or before providing the battery for its intended use. The pre-loading may facilitate insertion of additional charge carriers for a charge carrier source such as a lithium source, into the electrode(s) of the battery such as into the anode(s). The electrode may be a vertically short electrode. The pre-loading may replenish (e.g., irreversible) loss of the charge carriers during formation of the battery, e.g., to increase (a) efficiency of the first cycle and / or (b) cell capacity. The pre-loading may result in a reservoir of the charge carriers within the cell, and / or smaller cycled voltage window. The pre-loading may improve current distribution, e.g., during fast charge. The pre-loading may improve the cycle life of the battery. Buffering or pre-loading may result in pressurization of the cell at its first charging cycle, e.g., due to loading of the anode with charge carriers such as lithium. The pressure adjuster described herein can aid in maintaining overpressure in the system without having to put pressure during buffering, e.g., the adjuster can establish a minimal / threshold overpressure in the device during formation without having to buffer the cell. A rough exposed surface of charge carrier plating may remain throughout the life of the battery, and may compromise function of the battery, e.g., due to depletion of charge carriers and / or due to causing a short (e.g., as a consequence of dendrite formation from an electrode to its counter electrode). In some examples, the geometry of a battery may include a side gap located adjacent to a cell, to enable electrolyte to flow into the gap during buffering.

[0087] In some embodiments, a cell comprises an electrode (e.g., reference electrode), a counter electrode, separated from each other by a gap, also referred to herein as “a separation space.” The separation space may comprise a separator, e.g., having a material comprising conduits or pores, e.g., micro conduits, or micropores. The pores and / or conduits may be configured to facilitate charge carriers (e.g., ions) to propagate through the separator. The conduits may be channels. Pores of the separator may form the conduit. The battery cell may comprise, or may be coupled with, an insulator such as a dynamic insulator. The battery cell may comprise, or may be coupled with, a dividing space. At least one component may be electrically insulating, e.g., the separator body, the insulator, or at least one component of the dividing space. The dividing space and the separating space may or may not have the same material content. A divider material may be disposed in the dividing space. The dividing material may or may not be of the same type of material as the separator. The separator may be (e.g., substantially) a plane, or a layer. The separator maybe an ionically permeable microporous material suitable for use as a separator in an electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the separator layer is coated with ceramic particles on one or both sides. In some embodiments, a cell includes an anode current collector in the center, which may comprise or be electrically coupled with, one of the electrode tabs on one of the sides of the secondary battery. In some implementations, the unit cell includes the anodically active material layer, the separator layer, the cathodically active material layer, and a cathode current collector in a stacked formation along a stacking axis. The cathode current collector may comprise a cathode tab devoid of cathode active material. The anode current collector may comprise an anode tab devoid of anode active material. The anode tab may be disposed at the same side of the cathode tab, or at a different side such as an opposing side.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cathode includes cathodically active material. The cathodically active material may include a cathodically active material including transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal nitrides, lithium-transition metal oxides, lithium-transition metal sulfides, lithium-transition metal nitrides, any plurality thereof, and / or any combination thereof. The cathodically active material may include transition metal elements of the transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal nitrides, any plurality thereof, and / or any combination thereof. The cathodically active material may include metal elements having a d-shell or f-shell. The cathodically active material may comprise metal element including Sc, Y, lanthanoids, actinoids, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pb, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, any plurality thereof, and / or any combination thereof. The cathodically active material may include lithium cobalt oxide (UCOO2), LiNio.5Mn1.5O4, Li(NixCoyAlz)O2, lithium metal phosphate (e.g., lithium iron phosphate, LiFePO4), Li2MnO4, V2O5, molybdenum oxysulfides, phosphates, silicates, vanadates, sulfur, sulfur compounds, oxygen (air), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li(NixMnyCoz)O2), any combinations thereof, and / or any plurality thereof. In some implementations, the cathode (e.g., cathodically active material) is selected from transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal nitrides, lithium-transition metal oxides, lithium-transition metal sulfides, transition-metal phosphates, lithium-transition-metal phosphates, and lithium-transition metal nitrides may be selectively used. The transition metal elements of these transition metal oxides, transition metal sulfides, and transition metal nitrides can include metal elements having a d-shell or f-shell. Specific examples of such metal element are Sc, Y, lanthanides, actinides, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pb, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au. Additional cathode active materials include LiCoO2, LiNio.5Mn1.5O4, Li(NixCoyAlz)O2, LiFePO4, Li2MnO4, V2O5, molybdenum oxysulfides, phosphates, silicates, vanadates, sulfur, sulfur compounds, oxygen (air), Li(NixMnyCoz)O2, and combinations thereof. The cathode active material maycomprise, S (e.g., U2S in the lithiated state), LiF, Fe, Cu, Ni, FeF2, FeOdF3.2d, FeFs, C0F3, C0F2, C11F2, NiF2, where 0<d<0.5, metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal phosphates, binders, fillers, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. The filler may be inert to the chemistry of the device, e.g., chemistry of the cell. The binders may include polyvinylidene difluoride and / or polytetrafluoroethylene. The cathode may comprise LCO, NCM, LFP, LMO, Nickel, Lithium manganese Iron phosphate, lithium manganese iron phosphate, sodium-ion, nickel, manganese rich lithium, lithiated cobalt oxide, lithiated manganese oxide, lithiated nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The cathode (e.g., and the device) may be devoid of cobalt.

[0089] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device may comprise a battery. The device may comprise Li-ion batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, alkaline batteries, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The battery may include a cell comprising Cu, Al, Ni, polyethylene, polypropylene, any derivatives thereof, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0090] In some embodiments, the anode includes anodically active material. The anodically active material may include silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), any combination thereof, and / or any plurality thereof. The anodically active material may include alloys or intermetallic compounds including Si, C, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi, Zn, Al, Ti, Ni, Co, Cd, any combination thereof, and / or any plurality thereof. The anodically active material may include alloys, intermetallic compounds. The anodically active material may include oxides, carbides, nitrides, sulfides, phosphides, selenides, tellurides of Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi, Zn, Al, Ti, Fe, Ni, Co, V, or Cd, any combination thereof, or any plurality thereof. The anodically active material may include mixtures (e.g., containing Lithium), composites (e.g., containing Lithium), any combination thereof, and / or any plurality thereof. The anodically active material may include salts (e.g., of Sn), hydroxides (e.g., of Sn), lithium titanate, lithium manganate, lithium aluminate, lithium-containing titanium oxide, lithium transition metal oxide, ZnCo2O4, particles of graphite, particles of carbon, metal form of the charge carriers (e.g., lithium metal), any combinations thereof, and / or any plurality thereof. The anodically active material may be coated. The coating may comprise stabilized metal form of the charge carrier material (e.g., lithium metal particles). The particulate material may include lithium carbonate-stabilized lithium metal powder, lithium silicate stabilized lithium metal powder, other source of stabilized lithium metal powder or ink, any combination thereof, and / or any plurality thereof. The anode active material may comprise a material intercalating the charge carriers. The active material of the anode may include silicon and / or an allotrope of elemental carbon. The allotrope of elemental carbon may be any of the ones disclosed herein, e.g., active carbon, graphite, carbon fiber, carbon nanotube, amorphouscarbon, and / or a fullerene. The tubular structures may comprise nested tubes, e.g., at least 2, or 3 nested tubes. The carbon fibers may be weaved, aligned (e.g., in parallel and / or at an angle relative to each other), randomly situated, or any combination thereof, as applicable. The anode may be a 100% silicon - carbon anode. The anode may comprise particulate material. The anode may comprise a carbon scaffold on which silicon is deposited (e.g., layer of silicon). An exposed surface of the silicon may be coated by the, or by at least one other, of the allotropes of elemental carbon. The carbon may comprise black carbon. The carbon may include hard carbon and / or soft carbon. The carbon-silicon structure may comprise successive layers and / or scaffold. The carbon may comprise a particulate material. The particulate material may serve as a base for deposition of the one or mor layers. The particulate material may or may not include crevices. The one or more layers may be deposited onto an exposed surface of the crevices. Anodically active materials may comprise carbon materials such as graphite and soft or hard carbons, or graphene (e.g., single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes), or any of a range of metals, semi-metals, alloys, oxides, nitrides, compounds capable of intercalating lithium, compounds forming an alloy with lithium, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. Specific examples of the metals or semi-metals that may be used as the anode material include graphite, tin, lead, magnesium, aluminum, boron, gallium, silicon, Si-C composites, Si / graphite blends, silicon oxide (SiOx), porous Si, intermetallic Si alloys, indium, zirconium, germanium, bismuth, cadmium, antimony, silver, zinc, arsenic, hafnium, yttrium, lithium, sodium, graphite, carbon, lithium titanate, palladium, mixtures thereof, any plurality thereof, or any other combination thereof. In some implementations, the anodically active material may comprise aluminum, tin, silicon, an oxide thereof, a nitride thereof, a fluoride thereof, other alloy thereof, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the anodically active material may comprise silicon, an alloy thereof, a composite thereof, an oxide thereof, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the battery may be without an active material (e.g., simple galvanic cell).

[0091] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device comprises an electrochemical cell. The cell may comprise an electrode and a counter-electrode separated from each other by a gap. The device may comprise a simple galvanic cell, e.g., comprising passive electrodes. The galvanic cell may comprise anode current collector, cathode current collector separated from the anode current collector by a gap, an electrolyte, and charge carriers. The cell may comprise partially active electrodes - one current collector contacting an active material mass. The mass can be a layer. The cell may comprise fully active electrodes - both electrode and counter-electrode current collectors of the cell, each contacting a respective active material mass, e.g., a layer.

[0092] In some examples, the energy manipulation device may comprise a fuel cell. In other examples, the energy manipulation device may comprise a primary battery, which may be a non-rechargeable battery. The primary battery may be a battery comprising Li metal, alkaline, zinc-carbon, silver-oxide, and / or any other suitable material. In some examples, the energy manipulation device may comprise a secondary battery, which may be rechargeable. The secondary battery may be a battery comprising Li ion, lead acid (lead dioxide with sulfuric acid), nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and / or any other suitable material. The use of a secondary battery or rechargeable battery may enable a reduction in environmental waste, as the materials may be reused for multiple cycles as compared to a primary or non- rechargeable battery. In some examples, the energy manipulation device described herein may comprise an electrochemical cell. As noted above, the cell may include an anode material and a cathode material. In an example, an electrochemical cell comprises passive electrodes, wherein the simple electrochemical cell includes an anode charge carrier, a cathode charge carrier separated from the anode by a gap, an electrolyte and charge carriers. In some examples, the energy manipulation device may comprise one or more active electrodes, wherein one charge carrier is in contact with an active material mass. The active material mass can comprise (e.g., be deposited in a form of) a layer. In some examples, the energy manipulation device may comprise one or more fully active electrodes, wherein the electrode and / or counter electrode charge carriers of a cell each contact a respective active material mass, e.g., a layer. The active material mass is configured to operatively coupled with its respective current collector of the electrode. The current collector may have an electrical conductivity of at least about 103Siemens / cm (S / cm), 104S / cm, 105S / cm, or 106S / cm. The current collector may have an electrical conductivity between any of the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 103S / cm to about 106S / cm, or from about 105S / cm to about 106S / cm.

[0093] In some examples, the cell comprises an active material, a charge carrier, an electrolyte, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The active material (e.g., mass such as layer) may be added to one side or to both sides of a cell or cell stack. In some embodiments, the electrode comprises a current collector (e.g., conductor) comprising elemental metal, metal alloys, an allotrope of elemental carbon, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The allotrope of elemental metal may comprise graphite, carbon nanotubes, carbon wires, fullerenes, hard carbon, soft carbon, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The cell may comprise charge carriers comprising salts such as lithium salts. The electrolyte material may comprise solid, semi-solid, liquid, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The electrolyte materials may include salts, acids, and / or bases, e.g., dissolved in non-aqueous polar solvent(s). In some embodiments, the electrolyte may comprise a polymer-based electrolyte. The polymer-basedelectrolyte may include PEO-based polymer electrolyte, polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte, polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte, polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte, and / or similar such electrolytes. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may include an oxidebased electrolyte (e.g., lanthanum titanate (Lio.34Lao.56TiO3), Al-doped lithium lanthanum zirconate (Li6.24La3ZrzAlo.24011.98), Ta-doped lithium lanthanum zirconate (Li6.4La3Zri.4Tao.6012), lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (Lit.4Alo.4Tit.6(PO4)3), and / or similar such electrolytes. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may comprise a solid electrolyte (e.g., sulfide-based electrolyte such as lithium tin phosphorus sulfide (LiioSnP2Si2), lithium phosphorus sulfide (13-U3PS4), lithium phosphorus sulfur chloride iodide (Li6PS5C1o.91o.i), and / or similar such electrolytes. The electrolyte may comprise ethylene carbonate, diethylcarbonate, dimethylcarbonate, ethylmethylcarbonate, propylene carbonate, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0094] Fig. 1 shows in example 100 a schematic representation of a cell, the cell comprising an electrode 102a - “C” (e.g., a cathode), and an opposing electrode which is a counter electrode 105a - “A” (e.g., an anode). A separator is disposed in separator space (e.g., gap) 103 - “B.” The battery cell is disposed in a battery having housing 109. The housing can be rigid, or flexible. The housing may include a rigid portion and / or a flexible portion. The battery can optionally have an insulator 104. The insulator may comprise one or more materials comprising a ceramic, a polymer, or a resin. The battery may comprise one or more insulator types. In an example, a polymer may fill a cathode gap, and alumina fills a cathode gap, the gap being from the edge of the cell to its immediately adjacent edge of the case (also herein “casing”). In some embodiments, insulator may comprise a non-electrically conductive material. The ceramic may comprise alumina (AI2O3), zirconia (ZnCh), magnesium oxide (MgO), boron nitride (BN), mullite, boehmite, or silicon carbide (SiC, e.g., in pure form). Under normal conditions during use of the battery, the main current is a load current 106 passing from one electrode to its opposing electrode, and through separation space 103. When volume 104 comprises the insulator, the insulator contacts at least at opposing sides 102b and 102c of electrode 102a and at opposing sides 105b and 105c of counter-electrode 105a.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows in example 110 a schematic representation of a cell, the cell comprising an electrode 112 - “C” (e.g., a cathode), and an opposing electrode which is a counter electrode 115 - “A” (e.g., an anode). A separator is disposed in separator space 113 - “B.” The battery cell is disposed in a battery having housing 119. The separation space extends 121 beyond electrode 112, and extends 122 beyond counter electrode 115, the extension being along a long axis of each of the electrode, the long axis depicted in Fig. 1. The extension can extend longer in the lateral direction. The extension can form the tab. Thebattery has an insulator 114. Under the normal conditions, the load current 116 may be passing through separation space 113.

[0096] In some embodiments, the different extension distances of the components of the cell in the lateral direction, form a corrugated (e.g., misaligned) face of the cell, and thus a set of the cells, e.g., as depicted in Fig. 1 , 120 for a cell. The cell can comprise at least one uneven side, e.g., as is depicted in Fig. 1 , 120. The uneven (e.g., misaligned) side can create a wavy side of a set of cells.

[0097] Fig. 2 shows a schematic example 200 of a current collector in the form of a film or strip. The electrode active material may contact (e.g., be deposited onto) a conductive sheet, e.g., having a thickness of at most about 6 millimeters (mm), 5mm, 2.5mm, 1mm, or 0.5mm. The conductive sheet may be a foil, e.g., having a thickness of at most about 0.4mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1mm. The current collector may comprise an internal portion, e.g., when assembled in the battery. The internal portion of the current collector contacts the active material of the electrode. The tab may be (e.g., substantially) devoid of the electrode active material. The current collector has a length axis and a width, and a height. The current collector has a face type having a largest surface area, the face type including sections 201, and 202. The current collector has a length 203, a width 204, and a height 205. Section 202 designates the tab of the current collector that can bend upon assembly of the energy storage device such as to couple with a busbar, and section 201 designates the planar section of the current collector that can couple to an electrode active material, e.g., a powder with binder(s) and / or filler(s). In the example shown in 200, the tabs assume the same width 204 along their length. In some embodiments, the tabs contract (e.g., narrow such as taper) along their length, e.g., and along the longest axis 211. Longest axis 211 of the current collector intersects position 214 on a face of the electrode having height 205 and width 204, which face has the smallest surface area in the example of 200. The current collector has a shorter axis 212 normal to axis 211. The contraction of the tabs along axis 211 may be symmetrical about axis 211 , e.g., using a mirror symmetry, the mirror being along axis 211.

[0098] In some embodiments, the current collector may be an anode current collector. In some embodiments, the current collector may be a cathode current collector. The anode current collector may comprise a conductive material such as copper, carbon, nickel, stainless-steel, cobalt, titanium, and tungsten, and alloys thereof, or any other material suitable as an anode current collector layer. The current collector has an electrical conductivity of at least about 103 Siemens / cm, 104 Siemens / cm, or 105 Siemens / cm. The current collector has an electrical conductivity between any of the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 103 Siemens / cm to about 105 Siemens / cm. The cathode current collector may comprise aluminum, nickel, cobalt, titanium, and tungsten, or alloys thereof, or any other material suitable for use as a cathode current collector layer. In some embodiments,the cathode current collector comprises a metal such as aluminum, carbon, chromium, gold, nickel, NiP, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, an alloy of silicon and nickel, titanium, or a combination thereof. In an example, a cathode current collector comprises gold or an alloy thereof such as gold silicide. By way of further example, in one embodiment, a cathode current collector comprises nickel or an alloy thereof such as nickel silicide.

[0099] Fig. 2 shows in example 250, a schematic vertical cross section of various batteries, showing arrangement and / or folding of battery cells with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. In example 251, battery cells are arranged parallel to each other. Examples 252-255 show various folding of a sheet comprising one or more battery cells, with 252 showing a zigzag fold, 253 showing a top hat fold, 254 showing a sinusoidal type fold, 255 showing a spiral (e.g., rolling) fold, and 256 an oval or oblong spiral (e.g., rolling) fold. The battery may comprise a battery cell folded in a wound (e.g., jelly roll) configuration having an oblong or cylindrical configuration, e.g., as shown in Fig. 7, 750.

[0100] In some embodiments, one or more cells are disposed within a housing to form the device, e.g., battery. The housing may insulate the battery from one or more reactive agents (also referred to herein as “reactive species”) in the ambient environment external to the device. The reactive agent(s) may comprise oxygen, water, alcohol, thiol, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, carboxylic acid, hydrogen sulfide, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. The reactive agent(s) may be oxygen based, sulfur based, and / or phosphorous based. The reactive agent(s) may include water and / or oxygen. In an example, the reactive agent(s) comprise water in a liquid and / or vapor form. The water may be in the form of droplets. The housing may be configured to separate and / or insulate the cell(s) from the reactive agent(s) present in the ambient environment external to the device, e.g., to curtail (e.g., hinder, or prevent) reactive agent(s) from reaching the cell such as including reaching the electrode(s) and any fuse of the device.

[0101] The energy manipulation device is of a (e.g., Euclidean) three-dimensional (3D) geometric shape. The device may have an asymmetrical shape, e.g., its housing may be asymmetrical in shape. The Euclidean 3D shape may comprise a cylinder or a prism. The prism may be a Euclidean prism, or an amorphous prism. In some embodiments, the battery is a prismatic battery. In some embodiments, the battery is a cylindrical battery. The battery may have a first FLS such as a height (e.g., Fig. 3, 331) of at least about 1 millimeters (mm), 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm. The first FLS of the battery may be of any value between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 1mm to about 10mm. The battery may have a second FLS such as a length (e.g., Fig. 3, 332) of at least about at least about 10 millimeters (mm), 50mm, 100mm, 150mm, or 200mm. The second FLS of the battery may be of any value between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 10mm to about 200mm. The battery may have an aspect ratio of the second FLS to the first FLS of at leastabout 5: 1 , 8: 1 , 10:1, 15: 1 , 20: 1 , 25: 1 , 35: 1 , or 50: 1. The battery may have an aspect ratio of the second FLS to the first FLS between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 5:1 to about 50:1.

[0102] Fig. 3 shows schematic perspective view examples of energy manipulation devices such as batteries and battery cell architectures therein, relative to a Cartesian coordinate system. Example 300 shows a cylindrical battery housing having a length 302 and height 301, which is a diameter. The battery may comprise cell(s) that form a rolled sheet. In example 300, each of the bottom and top faces of the cylinder has a smaller surface area as compared to the side surface of the cylinder - to the curved surface of the cylinder. Example 330 shows a prismatic battery housing that is a rectangular prism, or a cuboid. The battery has length 332, height 331, and width 333. Battery cells 335 are stacked in the battery along height 331, and along the Z direction. In example 330, face XY has a larger surface area than face XZ, and face XY has a larger surface area than face YZ. Example 350 shows a prismatic battery housing that is a rectangular prism, or a cuboid. The battery has length 352, height 351, and width 353. Battery cells 335 are stacked in the battery along length 352, and along the X direction. In example 350, face XY has a larger surface area than face XZ, and face XY has a larger surface area than face YZ.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cell is arranged (e.g., substantially) perpendicular to the face of a prismatic (e.g., cuboid) battery having the largest surface area. At times, the largest surface area face of the anode, the separation space, the separator, the cathode, and / or the dividing space, is disposed (e.g., substantially) normal to the face of the battery having the largest surface area. The anode, the separation space, any separator, and the cathode, may be arranged (e.g., substantially) parallel to each other. The cell components may be configured to arrange about a stacking axis. The stacking axis may be parallel to the face of the housing (e.g., battery housing, enclosure, or casing) having the largest surface area. The stacking axis may be (e.g., substantially) normal to a face type of the electrode having the largest surface area. Fig. 3, 350 shows an example of battery cells, disposed normal to the XY face of the battery, which XY face has the largest surface area among the battery’s faces. The surface area of the cell, in example 350, is at most the surface area of YZ face of the battery, or smaller. Cells arranged normal to the largest surface area face of the battery in which they are disposed (e.g., Fig. 3, 350), have a larger combined cell side (e.g., edge) surface area, as compared to (a) cells arranged parallel to the largest surface area face of the battery in which they are disposed (e.g., Fig. 3, 330) and / or to (b) cylindrical battery such as a wound cell (e.g., jelly roll) battery (e.g., Fig. 3, 300). In some embodiments, the greater the combined side (e.g., edge) surface area of the cells, the greater the residual current role is in the total current of the battery. When the cell comprises at least one uneven side, e.g., as is depicted in Fig. 1, 120, the uneven (e.g., misaligned) side creates a wavy side of a setof cells. The wavy side may or may not contribute to the amount of residual current passing between an anode and a cathode of a cell, e.g., through the insulator.

[0104] In some embodiments, the device such as battery comprises battery cells. The battery cells may be stacked along an axis. A dividing space may be disposed between every two immediately adjacent cells such that a first cell contacts the first face of the dividing space, and a second cell contacts a second face of the dividing space opposing its first space. The dividing space may comprise an insulator, e.g., any insulator disclosed herein. The insulator may or may not comprise the dynamic insulator. The dividing space may be configured to electrically separate one cell from another. The stack of cells may follow a pattern, the pattern may comprise a sequence. The sequence may comprise an arrangement of components of the battery cell with respect to each other. The sequence may comprise an anode, a separation space, a cathode, and a dividing space. The sequence may follow a CBAS pattern, or a CBASABCS pattern, with “C” designating a cathode, “B” designating a separation space, “A” designating an anode, “S” designating the dividing space, and “E” designates an end plate, e.g., see Fig. 4. The cells may be stacked in one or more groups. The separation space may comprise two opposing faces. A face of the separation space contacting the anode, and an opposing face contacting the cathode. The cell may comprise components comprising an anode, a cathode, a separation space, and an optional dividing space. The dividing space may comprise the same type of material as the separation space. The dividing space and the separation space may be (e.g., substantially) the same. The components of the cell may be disposed along an axis. The components of the cell may be (e.g., substantially) symmetrically arranged along the axis, e.g., in mirror symmetry, the mirror plane running along the axis, and / or in a rotational symmetry, the rotational axis running along the cell stacking axis (e.g., parallel to axis 490 in Fig. 4). At least two components of the cell may extend in a direction (e.g., substantially) perpendicular to the cell stacking axis at a (e.g., substantially) same distance. At least two components of the cell may extend in a direction (e.g., substantially) perpendicular to the cell stacking axis (e.g., laterally) at a different distance from that axis. The different distance extension of the components can form a corrugated (e.g., misaligned) face of the cell, and of the set of cells, e.g., as depicted in Fig. 1 , 120. See also sides (e.g., edges) of cell sets in Fig. 4, 400, and 450. In an example, the cathode extends less than the anode, the extension being in a direction perpendicular to the cell stacking axis. In an example, the separation space extends more than the anode and / or more than the cathode, the extension being in a direction perpendicular to the cell stacking axis.

[0105] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional example 400 of a battery comprising cathode 402, anode 405, separation space 403, and dividing space 407. The battery cells are disposed in volume 404 of the battery that can include an insulator such as a dynamicinsulator. The battery cells are stacked along an axis 490, in a repeating CBAS arrangement. Each anode “A” in the battery is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) with a current collector such as 413, the anode current collectors being coupled in parallel to a main anode current collector 414, ending with cathode contact 411. Each cathode “C” in the battery is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) with a current collector such as 416, the anode current collectors being coupled in parallel to a main cathode current collector 417, ending with anode contact 412.

[0106] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional example 450 of a battery comprising cathode 452, anode 455, separation space 453, and dividing space 457. The battery cells are disposed in volume 454 of the battery that can include an insulator such as a dynamic insulator. The battery cells are stacked along an axis 490, in a repeating CBASABCS arrangement. Each anode “A” in the battery is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) with a current collector such as 463, the anode current collectors being coupled in parallel to a main anode current collector 464, ending with cathode contact 461. Each cathode “C” in the battery is operatively coupled (e.g., connected) with a current collector such as 466, the anode current collectors being coupled in parallel to a main cathode current collector 467, ending with anode contact 462. In Fig. 4, the main cathode current collector is disposed on a different face of the set of cells as the main anode current collector, which is the opposing face.

[0107] In some embodiments, the battery comprises one or more main current collectors, e.g., as disclosed herein. The main current collector may include a busbar and / or a busbar extender. The main current collectors may or may not contact the insulator covering the edges of the cells. In the example shown in Fig. 4, 400, the main current collectors 417 and 414, are separated from the insulator 404 by a gap. In the example shown in 400, the main current collectors 417 and 414 contact the insulator 404.

[0108] In some embodiments, an end plate is disposed at a distal end of a cell set, e.g., at opposing distal ends of the set of cells and along the cell’s stacking axis (e.g., Fig. 4, 490). Fig. 4, 400 shows an example of two opposing end plates disposed at both distal ends of a set of stacked cells, the end plates designed by “E,” the end plate 420 contacting the insulator at its opposing lateral ends. Fig. 4, 450 shows an example of two opposing end plates disposed at both distal ends of a set of stacked cells, the end plates designed by “E,” the end plate is devoid of the insulator at its two opposing lateral ends - normal to stacking axis 490.

[0109] In some embodiments, an energy storage device such as a battery, comprises a plurality of cells. Each of the cells comprises an anode separated by a gap from a cathode. The gap may comprise a separator. The cell may comprise one or more electrolyte types. Each of the electrodes (e.g., anode and cathode) comprises a current collector, e.g., a strip,a foil, or a film, of conductive material on which the active electrode material is disposed of. The conductive material may comprise an elemental metal, a metal alloy, or an allotrope of elemental metal. In an example, the elemental metal comprises aluminum or copper. In an example, the metal alloy may comprise stainless steel. In an example, the allotrope of elemental metal may comprise carbon nanotubes, or carbon fibers. The tubular structures (e.g., nanotubes) may comprise nestled tubes, e.g., at least about 2, 3, 4, or more nestled tubes. The carbon fibers may be weaved, randomly dispersed, or any combination thereof. The strip of conductive material may or may not comprise a composite material. At least two cells in the energy storage device (e.g., battery) may be stacked in a direction (e.g., substantially) normal to their face having the largest surface area. The electrode has an electrode face having the largest surface area, and the counter-electrode has a counterelectrode face having the largest surface area. In some embodiments, there is a difference in a volume of the cell between a state of charge and a state of discharge of an electrode of the cell. The volume of the cell may repeatedly and / or reversibly alter between the state of charge and the state of discharge repeatedly. The reversible discharge may not be completely reversible, e.g., there may be an attrition in the properties of one or more components of the cell during a cycle of charge / discharge. The repeated cycling between the state of charge / discharge may comprise at least about 150 cycles, 200 cycles, 250 cycles, 300 cycles, 400 cycles, 500 cycles, 700 cycles, 800 cycles, 1000 cycles, 1200 cycles, or 1500 cycles. The repeated cycling between the state of charge / discharge may comprise any value of cycle between the aforementioned cycles, e.g., from about 150 cycles to about 1500 cycles. In some embodiments, there is a difference in a volume of the cell between a state of charge and a state of discharge of an electrode of the cell. The change in volume may comprise a change in at most about 20*, 25*, 50*, 100*, 200*, 300*, or 400* of an initial volume of the cell. The change in volume may comprise a change in at least about 10*, 25*, 50*, 100*, 200*, or 300* of an initial volume of the cell. The change in volume may comprise a change in any of the forementioned values, e.g., from about 10* to about 400*, from about 100* to about 400*, or from about 20* to about 200*. The symbol “*” designates the mathematic operation of multiplication.

[0110] The energy storage device may comprise at least one constraint (e.g., a brace, or a harness). The constraint may be configured to (e.g., substantially) maintain constant dimensions and / or volume of the device during the charge / discharge operations. The constraint may be configured to maintain internal pressure in the device, e.g., during the charge / discharge operations. The internal overpressure in the device may be at most about 100PSI, 150PSI, 200PSI, 500PSI, 1000 PSI, 2000 PSI, 3000 PSI, 5000PSI, or 10000PSI. The internal overpressure in the device may be at most about 50 PSI, 100PSI, 150PSI, 200PSI, 500PSI, 1000 PSI, 2000 PSI, 3000 PSI, or 5000PSI. The internal overpressure inthe device may be between the above referenced pressures, e.g., from about 50PSI to about 10000 PSI, from about 50PSI to about 500PSI, or from about 50PSI to about 2000PSI, or from about 100PSI to about 3000PSI. The internal overpressure in the device may be greater than the ambient pressure external to the device, e.g., above 14.6 PSI. In some embodiments, the energy storage device has a face type having the largest surface area among its face types. The face a face type having the largest surface area may deform (e.g., bend) during the, or as a consequence of, the overpressure phase. The face type having the largest surface area may (e.g., substantially) reversibly deform during the life of the device. Substantial reversal of the face’s deformation may be within the specification and / or intended use of the device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the battery cell set is disposed in an orthogonal stacked configuration.

[0112] In some embodiments, the device comprises a constraint system. The constraint system may be applied over one or both of the X-Y surfaces of the device (e.g., battery). In some embodiments, the constraint system includes a plurality of perforations to facilitate distribution (e.g., by flow of) an electrolyte solution after the cell, or cell set, has been assembled. In some embodiments, the casing comprises stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, beryllium, beryllium copper (hard), copper (O2 free, and / or hard), nickel, other metals or metal alloys, composite, polymer, ceramic, any plurality thereof, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material as applicable.

[0113] Fig. 5 shows in example 500 an exploded view of a pair of constraints 501a and 501b encasing a set (e.g., a population) of stacked battery cells 502, the pair of constraints being part of a constraint system. Example 550 shows an exploded view in which the two constraints 501 a-b are closer to the stacked cell set 502. Fig. 5 is shown with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. Each of the constraints may curb expansion of the battery cells during charge and / or discharge. Curbing the expansion may or may not be anisotropic. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the constraint can deter expansion of the cells anisotropically along the Y axis.

[0114] In some embodiments, the cell comprises an anode separated by a gap from an anode. The cell may comprise a separator disposed in the gap. The cells may be elongated, e.g., an elongated box. The face of the cell opposing the largest surface area face of the electrode (e.g., anode or cathode) may have an aspect ratio of at least about 10:1 , 15:1, 20:1 , 35:1, or 50:1, the aspect ratio being a length (e.g., Fig. 6, 631) of the face to a height (e.g., Fig. 6, 632) of that face. The cell may have an aspect ratio between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 10:1 to about 50:1, the aspect ratio being the length of the cell to the height. The cell may have an aspect ratio of at least about 5:1, 8:1, 10: 1 , 15:1 , 20:1, 25:1 35:1 , or 50:1 , the aspect ratio being a height (e.g., Fig. 6, 632) of the cell toa width (e.g., Fig. 6, 604, showing a width of three cells). The cell may have an aspect ratio between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 5:1 to about 50:1 , the aspect ratio being the height of the cell to the width.

[0115] Fig. 6 shows in example 600 a lateral portion of three cells, each comprising an electrode such as 601, a counter electrode such as 603, and a separator 602 disposed between each immediately adjacent pair of electrode and counter electrode. In example 600, the electrode (e.g., 601) extends less than the counter electrode 603 to the lateral edge 604 of the stacked cells, with the separator extending more towards the edge than the electrode, and then the counter-electrode, e.g., thus forming a corrugated, or wavey, lateral edge 604. Example 630 shows a stack of cells, e.g., in which the cells are horizontally stacked. The stacking axis of the cells may be parallel to a face of the cell having the largest surface area, e.g., of a prismatic battery.

[0116] Example 650 shows a set of stacked cells 651 enclosed by two opposing casings 652a and 652b. Current collectors of the stacked cells are coupled with connectors 653a and 653b. 653a connect to the electrodes of the set of cells, and 653b connects to the counterelectrodes of the set of cells. The cells enclosed by the casings (e.g., housing or case), are further secured by a flexible material 655, e.g., a band. The flexible material may comprise a polymer or a resin. The flexible material may be an electrical insulator. The casing may comprise one or more openings. In the example of Fig. 6, casing 652a includes oblong openings, e.g., that are evenly spaced along the X direction. Fig. 6 is shown with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0117] Fig. 7 shows in example 700 an exploded view of a pair of constraints 701a and 701b of a constraint system encasing a set (e.g., a population) of stacked battery cells 702. Each of constraints 701 a-b includes oblong openings, e.g., that are evenly spaced along the X direction. Fig. 7 is shown with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. The constraint may form a cage, e.g., having one or more openings such as slits, e.g., oblong silts or holes.

[0118] In some embodiments, the cell is configured with at least one gap portion that can be occupied during expansion of the active material. The gap may be between the electrode and counter electrode, or adjacent to an edge (e.g., side) of the electrode. Some of the cells described herein comprise gaps located adjacent to the electrode(s), e.g., at side(s) of the electrode(s). These gaps may enable electrolyte to flow into the gaps, e.g., during buffering. Accordingly, when the consumable is added to the device (whether in an active or inactive state), the consumable can occupy these gaps.

[0119] Example 730b is a microscope image of section 730a. The image shows a set of cells comprising (a) anodes including (i) anode active material such as 731 and (ii) anode current collector such as anode current collector 732; (b) anodes including (iii) anode active material such as 733 and (iv) cathode current collector such as cathode current collector734; (c) separators such as separators 735 and 736; and (d) insulating material such as 737. The insulating material 737 is disposed in a side gap at the edge of the electrode. Each cathode is separated from its immediately adjacent anode by a gap, the separator disposed in the gap. In the example shown in 730, a pair of immediately adjacent separators are separated from each other. The separators extend more toward an edge of the set of cells, as compared to the cathode, which extends more towards the edge than the anode. The insulator is disposed in the volume between the set of cells and the edge of the set of cells. The ends of the separators along the z direction alternate between a first pair of immediately adjacent separator ends pointing towards each other, and a second pair of immediately adjacent separator ends pointing away from each other, the ends being along the z direction. For example, the ends of separators 735 and 736 point towards each other. Each anode and cathode in the cell interlace each other along the y direction (e.g., are disposed alternatively), which is the stacking direction of the cells. In the example shown in 730b, (a) the active anode material is disposed at both sides of the respective anode current collector and (b) the active cathode material is, disposed at both sides of the respective cathode current collector, the sides being along the z direction. In the example shown in 730b, (a) the active anode material is disposed on both side of the anode current collector such that it (e.g., substantially, schematically and / or generally) forms a mirroring plane for the anode active material, and (b) the active cathode material is disposed on both side of the cathode current collector such that it (e.g., substantially, schematically and / or generally) forms a mirroring plane for the anode active material.

[0120] Example 760b is a microscope image of section 760a. The image shows a set of cells comprising (a) anodes including (i) anode active material such as 761 and (ii) anode current collector such as anode current collector 762; (b) anodes including (iii) anode active material such as 763 and (iv) cathode current collector such as cathode current collector 764; (c) separators such as separator 765. Each cathode is separated from its immediately adjacent anode by a gap, the separator disposed in the gap. In the example shown in 760, the cathode active material extends to the edge of the cell in the X direction, and bends towards the Y direction to electrically connect its immediately adjacent cathode current collector along the Y direction. The bend portions (e.g., tabs) of the cathode current collectors are joined by a material operatively (e.g., electrically) coupling the tabs, including a tacky connector 767, to form a busbar. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the cathode contacts the separator that contacts the anode, which contacts any additional separator in the set of cells. Endplates may be disposed at both end of the set of cells along the stacking direction, e.g., along the Y direction.

[0121] In some embodiments, the interior of the casing is separated from an exterior of the casing, e.g., to hinder reactive specie(s) in the external environment to traverse to theinterior environment such as to cause the harm. Terminals configured to conduct the electrical current flow are configured to allow electrical connectivity of the external environment with the cell(s) disposed in the interior of the housing. The housing comprises a seal to separate the interior environment of the housing from its exterior environment. The terminals extend through the seal from the interior of the housing to the external environment. Each of the terminals can be coupled with the housing (e.g., at the seal area) by coupler. The coupler may comprise a compressible material such as a malleable material. The terminal may be secured to the housing by an adhesive, e.g., at the seal. The terminal may be secured to the seal at least in part by the adhesive and / or by the compressible material. The compressible material may be an adhesive. The compressible material and / or the adhesive, may comprise a polymer, a resin, a combination thereof, or a plurality of types thereof. The adhesive may be (e.g., substantially) confined to the seal. The adhesive may comprise polypropylene or epoxy glue. The fuse may be reinforced by an adhesive, e.g., to any portion of the device such as disclosed herein. The fuse may be located (e.g., and reinforced to) a portion of the device sufficiently distant from susceptible material(s) such that when the fuse activates, the harm will not be made due to activation of the susceptible material(s). The susceptible material may participate in the chemistry of the device, e.g., of the cell. The susceptible material(s) may comprise any of the active materials of the cell, any electrolyte, any separator, any insulator, any divider, any current collector, any busbar, any adhesive, any plurality (e.g., of types or otherwise) thereof, or any combination thereof. The compressible material may be disposed in the seal, in an interior of the housing, in the exterior of the housing, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the terminal is compressed by the compressible material, which is compressed by the seal of the housing.

[0122] In some examples, the battery is disposed in a housing comprising a pouch. The pouch may insulate the battery content (e.g., the cell therein) from one or more reactive agent in the ambient environment external to the pouch. The pouch may enclosure the case of the battery, and the cell(s) housed therein. The pouch may comprise one or more layers. The one or more layers may include a material comprising a polymer, a resin, an elemental metal (e.g., strip, film, foil, and / or powder thereof), or a metal alloy (e.g., strip, film, foil, and / or powder thereof). The one or more layers may include one or more of these materials. The pouch may have an external surface having a color comprising black, silver, or white.

[0123] Fig. 8 shows an example of vertical cross sections of various batteries with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system, viewed from a side having a length and a height (e.g., Fig. 3, height 351 and length 352). Example 800 shows battery cells such as cell 802 stacked in a direction normal to the z axis, the battery having housing 801. During a charge and discharge cycle, the battery expands and contracts. The expansion creates a force in the battery in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the cells and towards theedges of the battery, e.g., along arrows 803. Constraints 807a and 807b are coupled with the cell stack to curb such expansion, e.g., anisotropic constraint configured to deter expansion in the direction of the arrows 803. The constraints 807a-b are disposed (e.g., located) opposing each other and separated by a gap. End plates 806a and 806b are disposed between the constraint and the cell stack, with each endplate contacting a distal end of the cell stack along the stacking direction, the end plates and the constraint being (e.g., substantially) symmetrically located about the stacking axis, e.g., in a (e.g., substantially) mirror symmetry plane running along the stacking axis of the cells. The contraction and expansion may cause pressure buildup on the battery. Heat may be exerted during the charge and discharge cycles, e.g., in interior 804 of the cell stack. The heat may be dissipated from the battery along arrows 803, e.g., thus increasing the safety of the battery such as by curtailing a runaway reaction.

[0124] In some embodiments, the cell(s) are enclosed in a rigid enclosure surrounding the cell(s). The rigid enclosure may comprise the constraint system and / or endplates. The enclosure may comprises elemental metal, metal alloy, an allotrope of elemental carbon, a polymer, a resin, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The housing may be of a material of (e.g., substantially) the same hardness, or a lesser hardness (e.g., softer), or of a higher hardness, as compared to the enclosure. In an example, the housing may comprise a pouch having a lesser hardness than the enclosure. The pouch may be nested in a harder housing (e.g., a can), as compared to the enclosure and / or as compared to the pouch. The enclosure may be protected by a layer that cushions an interaction between the enclosure and the softer housing. The protection layer may comprise an elastic material, a polymer, a resin, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. The passive consumable may be disposed, or coupled with, the protection layer. The protection layer may be in the form of a band surrounding sides of the enclosure. The sides may be of side types having smaller surface area. The sides may be other than side types having the largest surface area. The protection layer may have a thickness, elasticity, and / or durability that enable cushioning of an interaction between the enclosure and the softer housing immediately adjacent thereto. The protection layer may assume a shape of a sponge. The protection layer may or may not be porous. The protection layer may include polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, and / or rubber. The protection layer may be attached to the enclosure by adhesion and / or by being compressed thereto, e.g., similar to a band’s compression

[0125] In an example, a consumable is supplemented to the cell(s) from outside of the cell(s) and in the housing. The consumable may enter from outside of a constraint system, outside of the endplates, from within the housing (e.g., pouch and / or can), from an interior surface of the housing, from a seal, from a cell protection layer, or any combination thereof.The consumable may enter into the cell (e.g., or cell stack) by diffusion such as along a concentration gradient of the consumable. When the consumable enters the cell stack from a side of the device having the larges surface area (e.g., top and bottom of device in example 650 of Fig. 6) towards an interior of the cells stack, e.g., Fig. 8, in direction 804 and opposing directions 803. Its entry may be quicker in a configuration where the cell components (e.g., and the cells) are elongated by having a high aspect ratio of height (351) to width (353) and are disposed along an axis parallel to the face of the battery having the largest surface area among face types of the battery, as compared to another cell architecture, e.g., 330 or 300. In an example, when the consumable enters from a side of constraints (Fig. 8, 807a-b), entry into the center of the cell stack (e.g., 804) may be quicker as compared to the consumable entering from a direction normal to 804, e.g., in a direction facing the largest surface area of the electrode such as along the cell stack.

[0126] Example 850 shows battery cell 852 rolled upon itself about an axis normal to the drawing page, e.g., in a wound cell (e.g., jelly roll) type configuration. Battery cell 852 is disposed (e.g. located) in battery housing 851. During a charge and discharge cycle, the battery expands and contracts. The expansion creates a force in the battery in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the cells and towards the edges of the battery, e.g., along arrows 853. One or more constraints may be added to the battery to curb such expansion, e.g., anisotropic constraint configured to deter expansion in the direction of the arrows 853. The contraction and expansion may cause pressure buildup on the battery. Heat may be exerted during the charge and discharge cycles, e.g., in interior of stack 854. The heat may be dissipated from the battery along arrows 853, e.g., thus increasing the safety of the battery such as by curtailing a runaway reaction. The stacked cell arrangement shown in example 800 may have a better thermal conductivity as compared to the rolled battery configuration shown in 850.

[0127] Fig. 9 schematically shows a cause for the expansion and contraction of a cell during charge and discharge states. Example 900 shows an anode discharge states. Anode active material such as 901 is separated from cathode active material such as 902 by a gap in which separator 903 is disposed. The separator has a perforation (e.g., conduit such as a pinhole) through which charge carriers can transverse from one electrode to its counter electrode. Example 930 shows an anode charged state. Anode active material such as 931 is separated from cathode active material such as 932 by a gap in which separator 933 is disposed. As compared to the anode discharged state shown in example 900, the anode active material is inflated, e.g., expanded. The cathode active material is depicted as occupying (e.g., substantially) the same volume between the charged and discharged state.

[0128] Example 960 shows an anode in which charge carriers are provided. The charge carriers such as 961 (e.g., lithium cation) become surrounded by a mobile electrolyte 962such as a fluid or semi-fluid electrolyte, e.g., solvent or gel. The charge carriers propagate through solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) 935. Deposition 963 of a reduced from of the charge carriers 966 may occur on at least one edge type of the set of cells (e.g., anode) - at its interface; followed by diffusion of the charge carriers into the electrode active material portion 964, e.g., comprising an allotrope of elemental carbon such as graphite. The deposition may comprise accumulation of the charge carriers at the interface.

[0129] Fig. 10 shows an example of charge carrier (e.g., Lithium) source 1001 located immediately adjacent to an edge of a set of cells in battery 1002. Due to the cell’s arrangement having their stacking direction along the Y axis, and their edges pointing towards opposing sides along the X direction, it may be impractical to diffuse the charge carriers along the stacking axis, e.g., due to longer and / or inhomogeneous diffusion. In this cell set configuration, it may be more beneficial to allow the charge carriers to diffuse from one or both opposing side along the X axis. The example in Fig. 10 is depicted with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. The stacked cells may span tenths of millimeters in the stacking direction, e.g., at least about 10, 50, or 100 millimeters. The cells may span a length along the X axis of at least about 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, or 8 millimeters. The cells may span a length along the X axis of at most about 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, or 10 millimeters. The cells of battery 1002 may be held by a constraint system (e.g., Fig. 6, 650). The constraint system may comprise perforations (e.g., holes) that facilitate penetration of the charge carriers from source 1001 through the constraint, to the cells of battery 1002, e.g., the holes in constraint system 501a and 501b. The source 1001 may contact one or both opposing sides of the battery. Fig. 10 shows source 1001 contacting one side of battery 1002.

[0130] In some embodiments, the battery is a rechargeable battery. The battery may undergo cycles of charge and discharge, with one cycle including one change and one discharge operation. The capacity of the battery to store and / or release electrical charge may diminish over the number of cycles it undergoes, e.g., at least in part due to various chemical reactions occurring in the battery during cycling. The reactions may comprise depletion of essential components such as essential chemical(s) for the function of the battery, e.g., depletion of the charge carriers. The diminishing component (e.g., chemical) may be referred to herein also as “consumable.”

[0131] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device (e.g., battery) contains critical component(s) required for operation of the cell. The component may comprise a chemical. The critical components may initially be in optimized relative amounts in the battery, e.g., in just the right amounts. Some of the component(s) may enhance some performance attribute(s) while diminishing other attribute(s), e.g., making other attributes worse. A (e.g., ideal) goal for cell performance could be to use an optimized amount (e.g., just the rightamount) of the (e.g., critical) components to maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks for best performance of the cell and / or device such as battery.

[0132] For example, during charging of a cell, charge carriers move from the cathode to the anode. When charge carriers (e.g., lithium cations) come into contact with fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) they undergo a reduction reaction and form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the anode’s surface. The SEI layer (e.g., significantly) improves the cycling stability of the batteries such as by preventing electrolyte decomposition, e.g., on the anode surface. Although formation of the SEI layer is requested for the stability of the battery, some of the consumables (e.g., FEC) and the charge carriers become irreversibly bound, and thus removed from the cyclic operation of the battery, e.g., the rechargeable battery. Problems can arise due to the expanding and contracting of the electrode active material such as of the anode. In an example, the SEI layer is formed during charging, when the anode is expanded to a first size. As the battery discharges, the anode contracts to a second smaller size. In some examples, the SEI layer is not sufficiently elastic and as the anode contracts, the SEI layer cracks and / or breaks, thus exposing portions of the anode active material. Such problem may be exacerbated in batteries with electrodes comprising materials (e.g., Si, SiOx, Si-C, etc.) that have large volume differences between their charged and discharged states. In the next charging cycle, the SEI layer may become mended (e.g., clogged) to fix the cracks in the SEI layer caused in the previous cycle. Mending the SEI layer may require additional consumable amount (e.g., FEC), e.g., and charge carriers. In such scenario, the cycle of charging and discharging the battery may result in continual consumption of the consumables, e.g., and of charge carriers. Buffering may be used to replenish the consumed charge carriers in such case. However, there are currently inadequate solutions to replenish the consumables required, e.g., the FEC. When the FEC concentration decreases in the electrolyte (e.g., to allow for more cycles of mending the SEI layer), the higher FEC concentration may decrease the efficiency of the battery and / or cause safety concerns for the battery. Higher concentration of FEC may result in generating gas, e.g., the higher the temperature experienced by the battery. Concentrations of FEC above 40% could form solids that decrease the efficiency of the battery. Higher concentration of FEC may increase the impedance of the battery and / or increase the viscosity of the electrolyte. Increasing the viscosity of the electrolyte can reduce the travel rate of the charge carriers in the battery. The gas generated may comprise hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), short aliphatic (e.g., CxH2x+2 such as ethane), or any combination thereof. The active FEC concentration can be most about 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 30% v / v. The active FEC concentration can be between any of the aforementioned percentage values, e.g., from about 1 % to about 20%, from about 0.25% to about 30%, from about 0.25% to about 5%, from about 5% to about 15%, or fromabout 15% to about 30%. In an example, the cell has at most about 15% active FEC available in the electrolyte mixture.

[0133] The passivation layer may result from an electrochemical reduction of electrolyte component(s) (e.g., FEC) at the electrode interface. The passivation layer may allow charge carriers (Li+) transport through the passivation layer while hindering (e.g., blocking) electron flow, e.g., to hinder (e.g., prevent) decomposition of other electrolyte components. The passivation layer may stabilize the active material (e.g., of the anode) at least in part by hindering (e.g., impeding or substantially preventing) direct contact between the electrons and the other electrolyte components, thus reducing degradation of the electrolyte and improving cycle life. The passivation layer may comprises inorganic salts, e.g., LiF, U2CO3, organic compounds (e.g., lithium alkyl carbonates, Fluoroethylene Carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) polymerization products). Generation of the passivation layer may consume the charge carriers, e.g., irreversibly. Lithium may be converted into Lithium carbonate and lithium fluoride in the reduction reaction to form the passivation layer, which reaction may be irreversible.

[0134] Fig. 11 depicts experimental results of a battery cycle test, in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. Graph 1100 shows the retained capacity of a battery measured per charge / discharge cycle. As shown by graph 1100, the retained capacity of a battery decreases as the battery goes through cycles. As shown by graph 1100, the decrease in retained capacity is relatively linear through 500 cycles. At a roll off point 1102, the retained capacity decreases at a much more dramatic rate. Fig. 11 depicts the roll off point 1102 occurring around the 540thbattery cycle. In some embodiments, the roll off point 1102 occurs earlier or later than depicted by graph 1100. In some embodiments, the roll off point 1102 corresponds to when certain consumables (e.g., FEC), fall below a threshold capacity.

[0135] In some embodiments, certain consumables (e.g., FEC) are used by a battery as the battery goes through a charge / discharge cycle as shown by Fig. 12. Fig. 12 shows an electrode active material 1202a-e during different stages of a life of a battery. During a first stage (left side of Fig. 12), the electrode active material 1202a is uncharged and has a first size. The electrode active material 1202a may go through a first charging process 1204 that causes the electrode 1202b to expand. In some embodiments, charge carriers (e.g., Li ions) reside in a cathode when the battery is in a discharged state, and reside in the anode when the battery is in a charged state. For example, when a battery charges, charge carriers (e.g., carrier ions) migrate into one or more electrode active materials (e.g., electrode active material 1202b). As the charge carriers traverse (e.g., move) in and out of the active material of the electrodes, the active material undergoes a volume change. The movement in an out of the active material may be referred to as ingress and egress of the charge carriers relativeto the active material. For example, during the charging process 1204 the electrode active material 1202b expands. The amount of expansion may differ depending on the active materials used for the electrode. For example, a graphite electrode may expand by about 6% to 10% when the graphite electrode is charged. In another example, a silicon electrode may expand up to 300% when the silicon electrode is charged. In another example, a silicon oxide electrode may expand up to 210% when the silicon oxide electrode is charged. In another example, an electrode comprising silicon may expand up to about 20%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 300%, or 350% when the silicon electrode is charged, the percentage being volume per volume. In some embodiments, graphite electrodes require less FEC than silicon electrodes because the graphite electrodes expand less. Less expansions cause less disruption (e.g., cracks being formed) of the SEI layer.

[0136] In some embodiments, an energy storage device such as a battery, comprises a plurality of cells. Each of the cells comprises an anode separated by a gap from a cathode. The gap may comprise a separator. The cell may comprise one or more electrolyte types. Each of the electrodes (e.g., anode and cathode) comprises a current collector, e.g., a strip, a foil, or a film, of conductive material on which the active electrode material is disposed of. The conductive material may comprise an elemental metal, a metal alloy, or an allotrope of elemental metal. In an example, the elemental metal comprises aluminum or copper. In an example, the metal alloy may comprise stainless steel. In an example, the allotrope of elemental metal may comprise carbon nanotubes, or carbon fibers. The tubular structures (e.g., nanotubes) may comprise nestled tubes, e.g., at least about 2, 3, 4, or more nestled tubes. The carbon fibers may be weaved, randomly dispersed, or any combination thereof. The strip of conductive material may or may not comprise a composite material. At least two cells in the energy storage device (e.g., battery) may be stacked in a direction (e.g., substantially) normal to their face having the largest surface area. The electrode has an electrode face having the largest surface area, and the counter-electrode has a counterelectrode face having the largest surface area. In some embodiments, there is a difference in a volume of the cell between a state of charge and a state of discharge of an electrode of the cell. The volume of the cell may repeatedly and / or reversibly alter between the state of charge and the state of discharge repeatedly. The reversible discharge may not be completely reversible, e.g., there may be an attrition in the properties of one or more components of the cell during a cycle of charge / discharge. The repeated cycling between the state of charge / discharge may comprise at least about 200 cycles, 500 cycles, 800 cycles, 1000 cycles, 1200 cycles, or 1500 cycles. In some embodiments, there is a difference in a volume of the cell between a state of charge and a state of discharge of an electrode of the cell. The change in volume may comprise a change in at most about 20%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, or 400% of an initial volume of the cell. The change involume may comprise a change in at least about 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or 300% of an initial volume of the cell. The change in volume may comprise a change in any of the forementioned values, e.g., from about 10% to about 400%, from about 100% to about 400%, or from about 20% to about 200%. The charge carriers may interact with the active material (e.g., comprising silicon) such as in an intercalation and / or alloying process (e.g., Li- Si alloying). The Li-Si alloying may form alloys comprising LiisSi4 or Li22Sis. The lithium alloying of silicon may allow silicon to store at least 5*, 10*, or 15* more lithium as compared to graphite, with the operation “*” designating the mathematical operation of “times.”

[0137] In an example, a passivation layer is formed during operation of the device (e.g., during buffering) that consumes charge carriers and soluble passivating material in the cell. Portions of the passivation layer may be (e.g., additionally) formed during regular operation of the device, e.g., during charging and discharging cycles.

[0138] In some embodiments, electrons are formed in an operation of the cell, which electrons can further react with cell component(s). As the charge carriers move in the battery (e.g., in the cell), electrons are also moving. The electrons may travel from the current collector to the active material coupled with the current collector. When the active material contacts the current collector, such movement of electrons may be direct. When the active material does not contact the current collector, the movement may be indirect. The indirect movement may be through another active material (e.g., particle), through a conductor, or through a semiconductor. In an example, an allotrope of carbon facilitates the movement of electrons from the current collector to the active material and / or from an active material mass of an electrode to another active material mass of the electrode. The allotrope of carbon may comprise carbon nanotube, carbon fiber, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The electrons may react with one or more chemicals in the device such as in the cell, e.g., some of which reactions may be detrimental to the battery’s chemistry such that they diminish (e.g., harm) the device’s requested performance. For example, the electrons may destabilize metal oxides during the charge / discharge cycles, e.g., due to slippage of transition metal layers, phase transitions and / or electrochemical strain. Mitigation (e.g., reduction) of the reactivity of the electrons in the battery cell may include causing confinement of the electrons to retard (e.g., reduce, deter and / or substantially prevent) reaction of the electrons with the material(s) in the device, e.g., during the prescribe operation conditions of the battery and / or during the prescribed lifetime of the battery.Generation of a passivation layer that helps confine the electrons in the active material mass and / or impede their reaction with components of the device (e.g., of the cell) external to the passivation layer, may mitigate the harmful reactivity of the electrons.

[0139] In some embodiments, the device has prescribed conditions and / or a prescribed lifetime. Operation of the device (e.g., battery) may be during its prescribed lifetime, duringits prescribed use, and / or according to jurisdictional standards relating to the device. The prescribed lifetime may depend on the number of charge and discharge cycles, e.g., as disclosed herein. The number of cycles may be to full charge before the capacity of the device (e.g., battery) drops below 80%. The prescribed lifetime may be of at most about 3 years, 5 years, 6 years, or 7 years, e.g., from the date of its manufacture. The device may have a shelf life of at least about 6 months, or 12months. The standards may include, SAE J2380, MIL-STD-810G (516.6), UL (e.g., UL1642 and / or UL 2054), SAE J2380, GB31241, MSDS, UL (UL1642), CE, CB, UN (e.g., UN38.3), RoHS, REACH, IEC (e.g., IEC 60068-2-6, IEC 60068-2, and / or IEC62133), DOT, IATA, GB, CTIA, PSE, or any combination thereof. The prescribed operating conditions comprise temperatures between a lower temperature (e.g., -20°C) and a higher temperature (e.g., 80°C). The higher temperature may be of at most about 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 85°C, or 90°C. The higher temperature may be of at least about 40°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 70°C, or 80°C. The lower temperature may be of at most about -10°C, -20°C, -30°C, -40°C, or . The lower temperature may be of at least about - 20°C, -10°C, or 0°C. The temperature may be between any of the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 60°C to about -20°C, or from about 90°C to about -40°C. The device may retain at least about 70%, 80%, or 85% of its capacity the lower temperature as compared to its capacity at ambient temperatures, e.g., at room temperature such as 20°C or 25°C.

[0140] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device is rechargeable. The device may be configured to allow fast charging (e.g., allowing the cell(s) to fully charge in five minutes). The device may have a C-rate of at least about 0.2C, 0.5C, 1 C, 2C, 3C, 5C, 7C, 10C, 12C, or 15C, 30C, or 40C. The C-rate may be charging the device to 80% capacity, or to 90% capacity. The device may have a C-rate of any value between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 0.2C to about 40C, from about 02C to about 5C, from about 3C to about 30C, from about 10C to about 40C or from about 2C to about 7C. The device may be charged to at most about 30sec, 3 min. 6min. 10min, 12min, 15 min, 30min, the charging being to 80% or to 90% capacity. The device may allow to choose the mode of discharge and / or of charge. The discharge and / or of charge, may be in a continuous mode, in a pulsed mode, or in a combination of a continuous mode and pulsed mode. In some embodiments, the battery has a N / P ratio greater than one. The N / P ratio may be at least about 1.05, 1.1 , or 1.15. The cell configuration, cell set architecture, and / or chemical makeup (e.g., of the electrode active material(s)), may allow for buffering such as pre-lithiation. The cell, cell set, and / or battery disclosed herein, may facilitate maintenance of cyclable charge carriers (e.g., lithium) in the anode, e.g., also at beginning of charge (BOG). The cell, cell set, and / or battery disclosed herein may provide for better conductivity and / or for lower overpotential in anode deposited material (e.g., cake comprising the active material). The cell, cell set, and / or battery disclosed herein may provide for reduced (a) cycling window and / or (b)damage due at least in part to expansion and contraction during the charge and discharged states of the cell. The cell, cell set, and / or battery disclosed herein may provide for high voltage at BOC, e.g., without buffering, e.g., without pre-loading of the charge carrier into the active material of the electrode such as in a pre-lithiation process. The nominal voltage of the device may be at least about 3.6 Volts (V), 3.7V, 3.8V. The working voltage of the device may be at least about 3V, 3.7V, 3.8V, 4.0V, 4.2V, 4.35V, 4.5V, 4.75V, 4.9V, or 5.0V. The working voltage of the device may be between any of the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 3V to about 5V, from about 3V to about 4V, or from about 4V to about 5V. The weight of the device may be at most about 1 gram(gr), 1.5gr, 1.8gr, 2gr, 3.5gr., 6gr, 46gr, 47gr, 50gr, 69gr, 70gr, 71 gr., or 100gr. The weight of the device may be at any value between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 1.8gr to about 100 gr. The volumetric density of the device may be at least about 800 Watt hour per liter (Wh / liter), 805 Wh / liter, 820 Wh / liter, 900 Wh / liter, 1300 Wh / liter, or 1500 Wh / liter. The gravimetric density of the device may be of any value between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 800 Wh / liter to about 1500 Wh / liter. The volumetric density of the device may be at least about 300 Watt hours per kilogram (Wh / Kg), 320 Wh / Kg, 350 Wh / Kg, 395 Wh / Kg, 400 Wh / Kg, 500Wh / Kg, 1000 Wh / Kg, 2000 Wh / Kg or 3000 Wh / Kg. The gravimetric density of the device may be of any value between the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 300 Wh / Kg to about 3000 Wh / Kg, from about 300 Wh / Kg to about 400 Wh / Kg, or from about 400 to about 3000 Wh / Kg. The electrical charge capacity of the cell may be of at least about 200 milliampere hours (mAmph) , 240 mAmph, 280 mAmph, 600 mAmph, 1 Amper hour (Amph), 30 Amph, 50 Amph, or 70 Amph. The electrical charge capacity of the cell may be between any of the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 200 mAmph to about 800 mAmph, from about 200 mAmph to about 1 Amph, from about 1 Amph to about 30 Amph, or from about 30 Amph to about 80 Amph.

[0141] In some embodiments, the anode comprising silicon is thinner than an anode comprising graphite, e.g., has a smaller height - Fig. 2, 205. The anode height may be at most about 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 65%, 75%, or 80%, height (i.e. , thickness) of a graphite anode for a for a given loading of anode active material. The anode height may be at least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 65%, or 70%, height (i.e., thickness) of a graphite anode for a for a given loading of anode active material. As compared to a graphite anode for a for a given loading of anode active material, the anode height may be between any of the aforementioned percentages, e.g., from about 10%, to about 70%, or from about 30% to about 70%. In an example, the height difference in graphite anode vs. silicon anode when discharged is 35%. In an example, the height difference in graphite anode vs. silicon anode is anode is 65% of the size of the graphite anode for a given loading, when each of the anodes is fully formed. A thinner anode may allow for better current distribution through theelectrode and / or lower likelihood of charge carrier plating (e.g., reduction to its elemental state) such as lithium plating.

[0142] In some embodiments, the cell is pre-loaded with charge carriers, e.g., to form an initial passivation layer. During the initial charge process (e.g., buffering such as pre- lithiation), certain consumables (e.g., FEC) are consumed to contribute to the formation of a passivation layer, e.g., an SEI layer. The passivation layer may be the result of the electrons and / or charge carriers reacting with the electrolyte in a reduction reaction. In some embodiments, the electrolyte(s) is / are chosen such that the reduction reaction results in the passivation layer having certain properties. For example, the passivation layer may comprise a solid or semisolid (e.g., gel). The passivation layer may be porous, e.g., to allow the charge carriers to migrate into and out of the electrode active material, e.g., silicon and / or graphite. The passivation layer may allow charge carriers (e.g., Li+) to pass through it while hindering (e.g., blocking) electron flow, to reduce (e.g., prevent) decomposition of electrolyte(s). The passivation layer may stabilize the active material, e.g., at least in part by hindering (e.g., preventing) direct contact of the electrode active material with any active components (e.g., of the electrolyte mixture), such that degradation of critical cell component(s) is reduced and / or the cycle life of the battery (e.g., the cell) is improved, in comparison to a situation in which no passivation layer is formed. The passivation layer may comprise a (e.g., inorganic) salt, an organic compound, a polymer, a resin, a composite, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof. The salt may be the salt of the charge carrier. The organic compound may be made from a carbonate precursor. The organic compounds may comprise, or may be made of a precursor comprising, lithium alkyl carbonates, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), vinylene carbonate (VC), polymerization products thereof, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the passivation layer comprises a different chemical form of the charge carriers such as lithium. The passivation layer may (e.g., readily) form (e.g., deposit) on one or more surfaces of the active material of the cell, e.g., of the electrode and / or of the counter-electrode. The passivation layer may be a decomposition product comprising the charge carriers and / or electrolyte mixture components. Although formation of the passivation layer may be requested for the stability of the battery and / or cell thereof, some of the consumables (e.g., FEC) and / or the electrons, may be irreversibly bound to the passivation layer, and thus are removed from regular operation of the cell, e.g., during its charge and discharge cycles.

[0143] In some embodiments, the cell comprises an electrolyte mixture. The electrolyte mixture may comprise salt, solvent, additive, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The electrolyte mixture may be non-aqueous. The electrolyte mixture may comprise an organic mixture. The electrolyte may comprise polar molecule. The electrolyte may be sufficiently polar to dissolve the charge carriers such that they are readilyavailable to participate in the charge and / or discharge cycles. The electrolyte may be such that side reaction with any other device components are minimized, e.g., during the prescribed lifetime of the device and / or int eh prescribed conditions of the device. The salt may comprise a halogen salt, a borate salt, an imide salt, a sulfonyl salt, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. In the case of Lithium charge carrier, the salt may comprise Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPFe), Lithium tetrafluoro borate (UBF4), Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. The solvent may comprise a carbonate, a propionate, an ethyl acetate, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. The solvent may compromise Ethylene carbonate (EC), Propylene carbonate (PC), Ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), Diethyl carbonate (DEC), Propyl Propionate (PP), Ethyl Propionate (EP), Difluoro ethyl acetate (DFEA), or Methyl (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate (FEMC), any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. The additive may comprise a carbonate, a nitrile (e.g., mono, bi, and / or thri- nitrile), a cyanide, an ethoxy, an ethylene, a sultone, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof. The additive may comprise fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), Vinylene carbonate (VC), Vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), Succinonitrile (SN), adiponitrile (AN), 1 ,3,6-hexanetricarbonitrile (HTCN), 1 ,2-Bis(2-cyanoethoxy) ethane (DENE), propane sultone (PS), 1,3-propene sultone (PRS), any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0144] In some embodiments, the active material comprises a passivation layer. The passivation layer may range in thickness of at least about 30 nanometers (nm), 50nm, 100nm, 150 nm or 200nm. The passivation layer may range in thickness of at most about 50 nm, 100nm, 150nm, 200nm, or 250nm. The passivation layer may range in thickness between any of the aforementioned values, e.g., from about 50 nanometers (nm) to about 150 nm, or from about 30nm to about 250nm. The passivation layer may be configured to allow charge carriers to pass through, and hinder (e.g., prevent) electrons in passing through.

[0145] In some embodiments, the passivation layer comprises an SEI layer. The SEI layer may comprise the charge carrier such as lithium, e.g., in the form of salt(s) such as lithium fluoride (LiF) and / or U2CO3. In some embodiments, the SEI layer comprises inorganic salts, and / or organic compounds. The organic compounds may comprise lithium alkyl carbonates, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), vinylene carbonate (VC), polymerization products thereof, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the SEI layer comprises lithium. The SEI layer may (e.g., readily) form (e.g., deposit) on one or more surfaces of the electrode active material. The SEI layer may be a decomposition product comprising lithium (or other carrier ions) and / or electrolyte mixture components. Although formation of the SEI layer is requested for the stability of the battery, some of the consumables (e.g., FEC) and / or the electrons, may be irreversibly bound to the SEI, andthus are removed from the regular operation of the cell, e.g., during its charge and discharge cycles.

[0146] In some embodiments, the electrode active material undergoes a discharge process. During the discharge process, charge carriers (e.g., carrier ions) migrate out of the electrode active material, causing the active material to contract. The contraction of the electrode active material can cause any passivation layer formed on the electrode active material to deform. The deformation may comprise cracks, dislocation, or breakage. The deformation may expose portion(s) of a surface of the active material, e.g., permitting the electrons to escape from their confinement. The confinement (e.g., passivation layer) may hinder entry of the electrons into the electrolyte mixture, or stop entry of the electrons into the electrolyte mixture. When the electrode active material is charged again, additional passivation layer (e.g., SEI) should form over the exposed surfaces of the active material. Additional consumables that form the passivation layer (e.g., FEC) and charge carriers provided in-situ, may be utilized to form the additional passivation layer. Accordingly, the repeated expansion and contraction of the active material may cause the consumables (e.g., FEC) to deplete over time in the device, e.g., under prescribed operation conditions and / or during the prescribed lifetime of the device such as battery. The repeated reformation of the passivation layer may thicken it over time.

[0147] When the device comprises sufficient surplus of consumables (e.g., FEC), the passivation layer may mend. For example, the active material may undergo a second charging process where charge carriers (e.g., carrier ions) migrate into the active material, causing the active material to expand. Additional consumables (e.g., FEC) may be used to contribute to mend the passivation layer. When the amount of consumables (e.g., FEC) within the battery decreases below a threshold, the passivation layer may not (e.g., fully) mend. For example, the active material may undergo a third charging process where charge carriers (e.g., carrier ions) migrate into the active material, causing it to expand. The amount of consumables (e.g., FEC) within the device (e.g., battery) may be below the threshold such that the passivation layer may be unable to mend, e.g., and the passivation layer and / or battery may become unstable. An unstable passivation layer can lead to increased (e.g., electrolyte) decomposition of critical battery component(s), higher internal resistance, faster capacity fade, cycle degradation, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the roll off point (e.g., 1102 of FIG. 11) corresponds to a situation when certain consumables (e.g., FEC) fall below the threshold resulting in the passivation layer to become unstable.

[0148] In some embodiments, the device (e.g., battery) is rechargeable, e.g., over cycles of electrical charging and discharging. The device may be configured to cycle longer, e.g., with optimum health and / or without affecting other (e.g., critical and / or necessary) performance parameters of the device. A critical component (e.g., consumable) may be utilized forpassivation of the active material (e.g., of the anode and / or cathode), e.g., to deter electrons generated therein from reacting outside of the active material. The critical component may be soluble in the electrolyte mixture. The critical component may comprise fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), e.g., forming a passivation layer on its reaction with charge carriers such as Li+. The passivation layer may be configured to deter electrons from passing therethrough, and allow the charge carriers to travel through. Due to expansion and contraction of the active material, the passivation layer formed in one charging cycle, may deform upon entry to a subsequent charging cycle. The deformation may be any deformation disclosed herein, e.g., cracking. Self-mending of the passivation layer may be possible if sufficient starting materials are present, e.g., charge carriers and organic material such as Li+ and FEC. When the starting material (e.g., organics) is depleted, the passivation layer will not be able to mend, electrons will egress the active material, and will (unfavorably) react with other components (e.g., chemicals) of the device, e.g., to cause unfavorable release of gas. The gas may cause deformation of the device, e.g., swelling of the battery. The reaction may be harmful to the device, e.g., such that it may not be able to operate in the prescribed conditions and / or during its prescribed lifetime. The harm may cause the device to operate at one or more diminished performance metrics. The performance metric(s) may comprise temperature range of operation, impedance, cycle life, charging rate, decomposition of electrolytes, generation of gas, pressure, generation of passivant, polymerization, or any combination thereof.

[0149] As discussed herein (e.g., above), the systems and methods described herein allow for a Li-based ion battery (LiB) to cycle longer with optimum health and without affecting any other necessary battery performance parameters. For example, in Li-based ion batteries a critical electrolyte component known as fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) is needed to increase the cycle life of the anode. This is especially true of a silicon or silicon-based anode, but applies to all Li-based ion batteries anodes in general. As Li-based ion batteries cycle, FEC is consumed cycle over cycle. Once it is gone, the battery quickly loses its capacity. For example, this phenomenon can be seen in Fig. 11, illustrating cycle life of an illustrative secondary battery. As a result, the electrolyte of a LiB should contain as much FEC as possible. However, FEC can affect other aspects of battery performance such as high temperature gassing and cell impedance. To efficiently get Li+ ions in and out of the anode, the anode surface gets coated with what is known as a surface-electrolyte interface (SEI) during formation. The SEI is formed through the reduction of the electrolyte on the anode surface during charge. This reduction reaction results in the electrolyte decomposing into a self-passivating and self-limiting layer on the anode surface. A good SEI layer will be substantially (e.g., completely) electrically insulating while having the ability for a high rate of ion transport. For some SiOx-based secondary batteries, the highest quality SEI is formed byconsuming some Li+ and some FEC from the electrolyte as part of the reduction reaction. In some embodiments, during cycling (e.g., however), the anode undergoes several charge / discharge cycles. In some embodiments, each cycle results in the anode expanding from about 1.5X to about 3X from its discharged state on charge, and then returning back to its formed size at discharge. In some examples, every cycle this substantial volume expansion results in the SEI getting damaged. In some examples, as a result, every charge cycle, the damaged SEI from the previous cycle needs to be repaired consuming more FEC and Li+. In some examples, roll off occurs when all the FEC is consumed and then a remaining electrolyte component is used to subsequently generate SEI. In some examples, this SEI is believed to be thicker, less ionically conductive, and more defective (i.e. it may not fully self-passivate everywhere). In some examples, at this point, the electrolyte reduction reaction can lead to gassing (e.g., of H2 and CxHy), and to the transesterification of ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) to diethyl carbonate (DEC). In some embodiments, the gassing results in the swollen devices (e.g., swollen housings such as pouches) that happen in conjunction with the roll off. The techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods by which FEC is (e.g., ever) present in the device during the prescribed lifetime of the battery (e.g., at its prescribed conditions) such as in the electrolyte - but (e.g., only) as a free, reactive component such as at from about 1% to about 20% of the total electrolyte volume. For example, this technique allows for cycle life performance as illustrated in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 show illustrative flowcharts of a process for maintaining a level of fluoroethylene carbonate in a (e.g., secondary) battery. In one aspect, systems and methods are disclosed herein, which use complex FEC with a material that will precipitate the FEC out above a certain threshold concentration. For example, once the concentration of active FEC in the electrolyte drops below a threshold, e.g., an engineered level from about 1% to about 20%, the precipitate will dissolve back into the solution, releasing more active (e.g., free) FEC to keep the cell cycling healthily, e.g., according to its prescribed performance. In another aspect, systems and methods are disclosed herein which use complex FEC with a material that will bind the FEC above a certain concentration threshold. For example, once the concentration of active FEC in the electrolyte drops within an engineered level from about 1% to about 20%, the bound FEC will be released into the solution, thus releasing more active (e.g., free) FEC to keep the cell cycling healthily, e.g., according to its prescribed performance. The systems and methods discussed herein can be modified using mechanical, chemical, or other techniques by which FEC or any other critical electrolyte component can be metered into the electrolyte of a closed cell as a function of the concentration of the component in the electrolyte.

[0150] Fig. 11 is an illustrative diagram of anode failure during charging of an illustrative secondary battery. Fig. 11 shows electrode active material particle 1102a undergoes a charging process 1104 in which charge carriers (e.g., Li+) interact with components in theelectrolyte mixture (e.g., FEC) to generate passivation layer 1106a (e.g., SEI) and pass through passivation layer 1106a to interact with the active material (e.g., comprising silicon) such as in an intercalation and / or alloying process (e.g., Li-Si alloying). The Li-Si alloying may form alloys comprising LiisSi4 or Li22Sis. The lithium alloying of silicon may allow silicon to store at least 5*, 10*, or 15* more lithium as compared to graphite. Interaction of the charge carriers with the active material causes expansion of the active material to form expanded active material 1102b. In a discharge process 1108, the charge carriers migrate out of the active material to cause the active material to shrink 1102c. As a result of this process, the passivation layer 1106a forming around expanded active material 1102b, now shrinks and deforms into deformed (e.g., broken) passivation layer 1106b exposing portions of the active material surface such as surface portion 1111a. When sufficient starting material exists, upon charging the active material in a subsequent process 1110, the passivation layer will mend 1106c, and the charge carrier will pass through and interact with the active material to cause its expansion into expanded active material 1102d. When insufficient starting material exists, upon charging the active material in a subsequent process 1112, the charge carrier will pass through and interact with the active material to cause its expansion into expanded active material 1102e, while the passivation layer will stay deformed (e.g., broken) 1106d such that portions of the active material remains exposed (e.g., 1111b) to allow electrons to escape outside of the active material and into the rest of the cell, e.g., electrolyte thereof, which free electrons may cause harmful reaction(s). The harm may include a (e.g., catastrophic) event to the device, to personnel, to the ambient environment external to the device such as to the facility in which the device is disposed.

[0151] In some embodiments, the device comprises a consumable in an inactive form. The inactive form may comprise the consumable bound to an atom, bound to molecule, bound to matrix, and / or enclosed in a membrane. The inactive consumable may be converted into an active consumable by releasing its binding from the atom, molecule and / or matrix. The inactive consumable may be converted into an active consumable by releasing it from within the membrane. The active consumable may dissolve in the electrolyte (e.g., mixture). The electrolyte may be flowable (e.g., liquid), or a semisolid (e.g., gel). The inactive consumable may be a salt. The bound consumable may be bound by at least one chemical bond. The chemical bond(s) may compromise a covalent, polar, ionic, hydrogen, van-der-Waals, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The binding of the consumable may comprise intercalation, complexation, coordination bonds, dipole-dipole, London dispersion, metallic bonds, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The inactive consumable may be converted into an active consumable when the concentration of the active consumable falls below a minimum threshold, e.g., value. The inactive consumable may be converted into an active consumable until the concentration of the activeconsumable reaches a maximum threshold, e.g., value. The threshold may comprise a value or a function. The inactive consumable may be converted into an active consumable as a function of time and / or concentration of active consumable in the cell, e.g., in the electrolyte of the cell. The inactive consumable may also be referred to herein as the “passive consumable.”

[0152] Fig. 14 shows an example of a process of adjusting a level of active consumable in a cell, comprising (A) providing a first concentration of active consumable above a threshold, and a second concentration of a passive consumable, e.g., having an active consumable bound such as to an atom, molecule, matrix, and / or enclosed membrane, such that the active consumable becomes passive, in operation 1402; (B) Converting a portion of the inactive consumable to an active consumable, in operation 1404; (C) increasing the first concentration of active consumable above the threshold, in operation 1406; (D) optionally assessing the concentration of active consumable relative a threshold(s), e.g., maximum threshold and / or minimum threshold. If the concentration of the active consumable is below the minimum threshold, then the process returns 1412 to operation 1404. If the concentration of the active consumable reaches the maximum threshold, then the process ends 1420. If the process is not reliant on a threshold (e.g., is time based), then the optional operation 1408 does not take place. If the time prescribes continual conversion of the passive consumable to the active consumable, then the process returns 1411 from operation 1406 to operation 1404. If the time does not prescribe continual conversion of the passive consumable to the active consumable, then the process 1406 ends at 1420. If there is no other passive consumable that can be converted to the active consumable (e.g., the inactive consumable is depleted) then the process 1406, or optionally 1408, ends at 1420. The passive consumable is passive with respect to its requested activity in the device. The passive consumable may be disposed at any portion of the device from which it can be transported to its operation site. For example, if the active material participates in forming a passivation layer over electrode active material, its operation site is the surface of that active material. The passive consumable may be disposed in the electrolyte, in the insulator, in the active material layer, in the current collector, in the separator, in the divider, coupled with the constraint system, inside of the housing, outside of the cell, outside of the constraint system, any combination thereof, or any combination thereof. An example for a consumable is FEC, which is an active consumable when dissolved in the electrolyte in an unbound form.

[0153] Fig. 15 is an illustrative flowchart of a process 1500 for releasing consumable material into the electrolyte of a battery, in accordance with some implementations of the disclosure. One or more operations of process 1500 may be carried out by a (e.g., secondary) battery, an assembly, an apparatus, program instructions, and / or a manufacturing system described herein. Although the processes are illustrated anddescribed as a sequence of actions, it is contemplated that various implementations of the process may be performed in any order or combination, need not include all the illustrated actions, and / or may include additional actions not shown in Fig. 15. At operation 1502, providing an electrolyte having a first concentration of active FEC and a second concentration of an inactive FEC such as a complexed FEC, e.g., having inactive FEC bound such as to an atom or to another molecule. The complex FEC may comprise inactive FEC bound to one or more molecules and / or matrices. The binding may comprise covalent, hydrogen, polar, or van-der-Waals binding. The binding may comprise chemical binding. At operation 1504, releasing some of the bound FEC into the electrolyte as free FEC in response to the first concentration of active FEC falling below a threshold. Some of the bound FEC may be released into the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the bound FEC is released into the electrolyte in response to the first concentration of active FEC falling below a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold may correspond to a minimum concentration of active FEC required by the battery for efficient SEI layer creation. In some embodiments, the concentration of active FEC in the electrolyte may be between about 15% to about 30% volume of active FEC per volume of electrolyte. The concentration of active FEC may be at most about 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 30% volume of active FEC per volume of electrolyte. For example, the concentration of active FEC may be at most about 15% volume of active FEC per volume of electrolyte. The concentration of active FEC may be of any percentage value between the aforementioned percentage values, e.g., from about 0.25% to about 30%, from about 0.25% to about 5%, or from about 5% to about 15%, volume of active FEC per volume of electrolyte. In some embodiments, when the concentration of the active FEC falls below a threshold, some of the bound FEC is released into the electrolyte. For example, the inactive FEC may be bound to a salt. When the concentration of the active FEC falls below the threshold the salt may dissolve releasing the bound FEC into the electrolyte. In another example, the inactive FEC may be stored as a chelate. At operation 1506, increasing the first concentration of active FEC above the threshold. In some embodiments, the second concentration of complex FEC decreases. For example, a portion of the second concentration of complex FEC is converted into active FEC as described herein, accordingly the second concentration of complex FEC decreases. Operation 1504 and operation 1506 can be optionally repeated in 1508. For example, the first time the concentration of active FEC falls below the threshold, then some of the second concentration of complex FEC is converted into active FEC. Such release may raise the concentration of active FEC in the electrolyte mixture above its threshold concentration. As the cell continues to cycle, the active FEC may again fall below the threshold (e.g., as a result of reforming the SEI layer). Once the active FEC falls below the threshold, then some of second concentration of complex FEC may be released to (again) raise the active FECabove the threshold, and so on. In some embodiments, this cycle continues until the second concentration of complex FEC is depleted. In some embodiments, once the concentration of active FEC and concentration of complex FEC is depleted, the battery reaches the roll off point described in Fig. 11. The second concentration can be tailored to supplement the cycling of the device cell(s) under its prescribed conditions and / or prescribed lifetime.

[0154] In some embodiments, a process is disclosed for use of FEC as an active consumable and as a passive consumable in a cell. In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) providing an electrolyte having a first concentration of active FEC and a second concentration of a complexed FEC having inactive (e.g., passive) FEC bound to a molecule, (b) releasing at least a portion of the passive FEC to become unbound FEC, e.g., releasing some of the bound FEC free into the electrolyte in response to the first concentration of active FEC falling below a threshold, (c) Increase the first concentration of active FEC above the threshold. Operations (b) and (c) may be repeated until the active FEC concentration (e.g., in the electrolyte) reaches a maximum threshold.

[0155] In some embodiments, the passive consumable is converted to an active consumable using a timed-release mechanism(s). One or more time release mechanisms can be used to release (e.g., additional) active FEC into the electrolyte. For example, additional active consumable (e.g., FEC) may be stored within the constraint system of the battery, within a layer surrounding the constraint system, within an internal portion of the pouch, within an insulator (e.g., Alumina), within the end plate, and / or within the cover of end-plate. In some embodiments, the additional consumable (e.g., FEC) is in a solid form (e.g., a powder), that dissolves when the concentration of the active consumable in the electrolyte falls below a minimum threshold. In some embodiments, additional active consumable may be stored inside an encapsulant. In some embodiments, the additional consumable is an absorbent of an inert ceramic, e.g., a porous, inert, particulate material that absorbs that consumable on its surface, e.g., a zeolite. There may be at least one layer of shielding material between the encapsulated active consumable and the electrolyte. The layer(s) of shielding material may be designed to release the encapsulated active consumable after a certain amount of time, after a certain amount of time cycles, based at least in part on threshold(s) such as disclosed herein. The thresholds may comprise a maximum threshold and / or a minimum threshold. The threshold may comprise a value or a function. The threshold may include a concentration threshold, an impedance threshold, a voltage threshold, a temperature threshold, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The layer of shielding material may comprise a material (e.g., an organic compound) that is dissolved over time by the electrolyte. The material of the shielding material may be selected based at least in part on the amount of time and / or cycles requested before the shielding material dissolves and / or releases the additional active consumable. The thicknessof the shielding material (e.g., layer(s) thereof) may vary, e.g., to alter the amount of time and / or cycles before the additional active consumable is released. In another example, the material of the shielding material may be selected based at least in part upon reaction property / ies of the shielding material. The reaction properties may be associated with dissolution of the consumable, e.g., based at least in part on its concentration in the electrolyte. The reaction properties may be associated with dissolution of the consumable, e.g., based at least in part on the components of the electrolyte mixture. If the concentration of the active consumable in the electrolyte falls below a minimum threshold, then a shielding material may dissolve, allowing additional active consumable to be released into the cell, e.g., into the electrolyte.

[0156] In some embodiments, time release mechanism(s) is / are used to release additional active consumable(s) (e.g., FEC) into the cell such as into the electrolyte.

[0157] In some embodiments, the component is operatively coupled with the energy manipulation device, e.g., the battery. The component (e.g., chemical) can operatively couple with the device as an active component and / or as a passive component. In an example, some of the members of the component as in a state that is active, and other members of the component are in a state that is inactive. When the component is in the device such that it can actively participate in the processes occurring in the device (e.g., and according to the component’s intended purpose), the component is an active component. When the component is in the device such that it cannot actively participate in the processes occurring in the device according to the component’s intended purpose, the component is a passive component, e.g., in a standby state. The passive component can be disposed (e.g., located) in the housing of the device, in an interior surface of the housing facing an interior of the device, or at a seal of the device. The component can be located in a passive state in any component of the device, e.g., as disclosed herein. The passive component may be located, or operatively coupled with (e.g., contact with), the current collector, the active material, the separator, the insulator, the divider, the constraint, the endplate, the electrolyte, any plurality thereof, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0158] In some embodiments, the passive component is located in a reservoir. The reservoir can be disposed (e.g., located) in the housing of the device, in an interior surface of the housing facing an interior of the device, at a seal of the device, or any combination thereof. The reservoir can be operatively coupled with the device such than when released from the device into the interior of the device, the component will become an active component. The reservoir can be located in any component of the device, e.g., as disclosed herein. The reservoir may be located, or operatively coupled with (e.g., contact with) the current collector, the active material, the separator, the insulator, the divider, the constraint, the endplate, the electrolyte, any plurality thereof, any plurality of types thereof, or anycombination thereof. The reservoir may comprise one or more types of consumables. The reservoir may be located such that the consumable(s) located in the reservoir can be released from the reservoir into the device to become an active consumable e.g., to operate in the device according to their intended purpose. The reservoir can be embedded in a component of the device such as the constraint system, or any other system such as disclosed herein. The device (e.g., battery) may have a first consumable reservoir that is active for its intended purpose, and a second consumable in a passive state located in a reservoir of the device. The reservoir can be disposed (e.g., located) in the housing of the device, in an interior surface of the housing facing an interior of the device, or at a seal of the device. The reservoir may be located such that the consumable(s) located in the reservoir can be released from the reservoir into the device, to operate in the device according to their intended purpose. The reservoir can be embedded in a component of the device such as the constraint system, or any other system such as disclosed herein. The reservoir may include a casing, e.g., comprising one or more shielding materials such as a first shielding material and / or a second shielding material. The casing may be configured to confine the consumable(s) within the enclosure such that they are deterred from propagating through the casing and into (e.g., the rest of) an interior of the device. The deterrence may include (a) slowing passage of the consumable(s) through the casing, or (b) preventing passage of the consumable(s) through the casing. At least two of the shielding material(s) may be (e.g., substantially) the same type. At least two of the shielding material(s) may be different type. At least two of the shielding material(s) may constitute layers of the casing. At least two of the shielding material layer(s) may be (e.g., substantially) the same thickness and / or porosity. At least two of the shielding material layer(s) may be of a different thickness and / or porosity. The pores may constitute open pores, e.g., from an interior to an exterior of the casing. The pores may be winding, e.g., to slow down propagation of the consumable therethrough. The pore may allow the consumable to propagate therethrough based at least in part on a concentration gradient of the consumable between the interior of the casing and its exterior. The pore may constitute a conduit. The pore and / or material in the pore may be susceptible to the threshold such as any of the thresholds disclosed herein. The pore and / or material in the pore, may be susceptible to a concentration threshold, impedance threshold, voltage threshold, temperature threshold, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The pore and / or material in the pore, may be susceptible to the metric such as any of the metrics disclosed herein. The pore and / or material in the pore, may be susceptible to a temperature (e.g., temperature range of operation), pressure, impedance, cycle life, charging rate, decomposition of electrolytes, generation of gas, generation of reaction product of the consumable(s) (e.g., passivation layer), polymerization, or any combination thereof. At least two types of shielding material may be made out of (e.g., substantially) thesame material and have varying layer thicknesses, e.g. to distribute the consumable at different conditions and / or different times.

[0159] In some embodiments, a consumable type (e.g., FEC) is disposed in a first reservoir and in a second reservoir operatively coupled with the interior of the energy manipulation device, e.g., battery. The first reservoir may have a shielding material of a first thickness, and the second reservoir may have the shielding material of a second thickness thicker than the first thickness. During the lifetime of the device (e.g., charge-discharge cycles), the shielding material may be configured to gradually disintegrate, e.g., dissolve, become porous, and / or cracked. The first reservoir casing having the thinner shielding material, may at least partially disintegrate before the second reservoir casing having the thicker shielding. In this way, the consumable(s) located in the second reservoir may be available for a later release as compared to the consumable(s) in the first reservoir. The first shielding material and the second shielding material may be of different material types, having different disintegration properties. The second material may dissolve more slowly than the first material. During the lifetime of the device, the shielding materials may be configured to disintegrate. Since the first shielding material comprises the first material that disintegrates faster than the second material of the second shielding material, the first shielding material may at least partially disintegrate first. Accordingly, the consumable(s) may be enclosed in the first reservoir and may be released before the consumable(s) in the second reservoir. Having reservoir casings with different disintegration properties of their respective shielding materials (e.g., different materials, different thickness, and / or different dissociation triggers), may allow to engineer a longer timespan for conversion of passive consumable to an active consumable state, e.g., to replenish the consumable (e.g., in the device, e.g., to release the active consumable into the electrolyte such that it can participate in its intended activities such as intended reactions.

[0160] In some embodiments, the consumables(s) are designed to increase flexibility of the passivation layer (e.g., SEI) of the active material. In an example, FEC is a starting material of an SEI passivation layer having a rigidity. The SEI layer may be made more flexible by supplementing with a more flexible component. The supplementation may be by forming a mixture, or a chemical conjugate. The chemical conjugate may comprise a covalent bond, polar bond, ionic bond, hydrogen bond, van-der-Waals bond, intercalation, complexation, coordination bonds, dipole-dipole, London dispersion, metallic bonds, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. In an example, the more flexible material may form a copolymer with a reaction product of the FEC. In an example. The more flexible material may comprise non-fluoride halogen analog of ethyl carbonate, a non-halogen analog of ethyl carbonate, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The more flexible material may include ethyl carbonate and / or vinylene carbonate. The non-halogen analogmay comprise 5RiR2-4R3R4-1 ,3-dioxolan-2-one, where R may comprise a hydrogen, a branched aliphatic, a non-branched aliphatic, an aromatic ring, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof. The aliphatic group may be branched or non-branched. The aliphatic group may or may not be a conjugated aliphatic. The more flexible material may comprise an ethyl carbonate that is chiral on its 4 and / or 5 positions. The more flexible material may comprise an ethyl carbonate that is non-chiral on its 4 and / or 5 positions. The non-fluoride halogen analog of ethyl carbonate may comprise a non-fluoride halogen(s) in its 4 and / or 5 positions. In an example, the FEC (e.g., and the electrolyte) may be operatively coupled with a more flexible polymer precursor or with a more flexible polymer, e.g., to result in a mixture of polymers and / or to result in a copolymer. The operative coupling may comprise a mixture or the chemical conjugate such as disclosed herein. In another example, the FEC may be mixed with vinylene carbonate (VC). The FEC and VC may copolymerize to form at least a portion of the SEI layer. In another example, the FEC may be chemically manipulated to have one or more R groups in the position of the fluoride (the 4 position of the carbonate) substituting the chiral hydrogen of the carbon to which the Fluoride is bound, and / or the alpha position to the Fluoride (the 5 position of the carbonate), e.g., substituting one or more of the two hydrogens. In some embodiments, the R group is saturated hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, the R group may be aliphatic of branched. In some embodiments, a more flexible passivation layer requires less FEC relative to the other component(s). For example, the increased flexibility of the passivation layer may result in fewer (e.g., or no) deformation in the passivation layer such that is caused by the repeated expansion and contraction of the active material during the charge-discharge cycles of the cell. Fewer deformations (e.g., cracks) may require less consumable in the cell to be available to repair the passivation layer during the prescribed lifetime of the cell, e.g., in the prescribed conditions of the cell. A more flexible passivation layer may result in a device (e.g., battery) that can undergo more charge-discharge cycles before reaching the roll off point.

[0161] Fig. 13 depicts projected experimental results, in accordance with some embodiments of this disclosure. Graph 1300 shows the projected retained capacity of a battery measured per charge / discharge cycle. As shown by graph 1300, the retained capacity of a battery decreases as the battery goes through cycles. As shown by graph 1300, if the active consumables (FEC) concentration is replenished, using any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the projected retained capacity 1304 continues to decrease linearly for more cycles. This may increase the life of the battery. For example, if the active consumables (e.g., FEC) concentration is replenished, using any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the battery no longer experiences the roll off point 1302 around cycle 540.Without the roll off point 1302 at cycle 540, the battery may be operational for more than 1100 cycles compared to the 500 cycles described in Fig. 11.

[0162] In some embodiments, the cell comprises an anode separated by a gap from an anode. The cell may comprise a separator disposed in the gap. The cells may be elongated, e.g., may assume a shape of an elongated box. The face of the cell opposing the largest surface area face of the electrode (e.g., anode or cathode) may have an aspect ratio of at least about 10:1, 15:1, 20:1 , 35:1, or 50:1 , the aspect ratio being a length (e.g., Fig. 14, 1431) of the face to a height (e.g., Fig. 14, 1432) of that face. The cell may have an aspect ratio of at least about 5: 1 , 8: 1 , 10: 1 , 15: 1 , 25: 1 20: 1 , 35: 1 , or 50: 1 , the aspect ratio being a height (e.g., Fig. 14, 1432) of the cell to a width (e.g., Fig. 14, 1404, showing a width of three cells).

[0163] In some embodiments, the architecture of the batteries comprising the stacked electrodes described herein (e.g., Figs. 3, 5-8,10) allow for better (e.g., faster and / or homogenous) distribution of consumables (e.g., FEC) into the cell, as compared to other cell arrangements. The other cell arrangements may include a folded (e.g., jelly roll) cell configuration, or cell having a smaller aspect ratio (e.g., and having vertically stacked electrodes). In an example, when the electrodes have a large aspect ratio - are elongated, (e.g., and are stacked such along a horizontal axis such as in Fig. 3, 350), consumables introduced at the long edges of the electrodes (e.g., top and / or bottom of the device), may quickly reach the middle of the electrode height (e.g., 350), e.g., since the distance to the interior of the cell structure is shorter, e.g., relative to a situation in which the consumable(s) is / are introduced (A) at the side edges of an elongated cylinder (e.g., 300), or (B) at edges of electrodes having a smaller aspect ratio (e.g., and that are stacked along a vertical axis Fig. 3, 330).

[0164] In some embodiments, the system, device, and / or apparatus disclosed herein comprises a control system. The control system may comprise one or more controllers. The control system may comprise, or be operatively coupled with, one or more devices, apparatuses, and / or systems of the mechanism (e.g., system, device, or apparatus) disclosed herein, including any component of the device(s), apparatuses(s), and / or system(s). The controller(s) may comprise, or be operatively coupled with, a hierarchical control system. The hierarchical control system may comprise at least three, four, or five, control levels. In some embodiments, at least two operations are performed, or directed, by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are each performed, or directed, by a different controller. A control system may comprise a control system. A control system may comprise a laser control system. The controller may comprise a feedback control scheme. The feedback control scheme may comprise an open feedback loop control scheme. The feedback loop control scheme may comprise a closed feedback loop controlscheme. The feedback control scheme may comprise hardware compensation. The feedback control scheme may comprise software compensation. The control system may comprise, or be operatively coupled with, a metrological detection system and configured to receive measurement data from the metrological detection system. The control system may be configured to generate control signals responsive to the measurement data collected by the metrological detection system.

[0165] In some embodiments, the systems, apparatuses, devices, and / or components thereof disclosed herein comprise one or more controllers. The one or more controllers can comprise one or more central processing unit (CPU), input / output (I / O) and / or communications module. The CPU can comprise electronic circuitry that carries out instructions of a computer program by performing arithmetic, logical, control and I / O operations specified by the instructions. The controller can comprise a suitable software (e.g., operating system). The control system may optionally include a feedback control loop and / or feed-forward control loop. The controllers may be shared between one or more systems or apparatuses. Each apparatus or system may have its own controller. Two or more systems and / or their components may share a controller. Two or more apparatuses and / or its components may share a controller. The controller may monitor and / or direct (e.g., physical) alteration of the operating conditions of the apparatuses, software, and / or methods described herein. The controller may be a manual or a non-manual controller. The controller may be an automatic controller. The controller may operate upon request. The controller may be a programmable controller. The controller may be programed. The controller may comprise a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU). The controller may receive an input (e.g., from a sensor). The controller may deliver an output. The controller may comprise multiple controllers. The controller may receive multiple inputs. The controller may generate multiple outputs. The controller system may comprise a single input single output controller (SISO) or a multiple input multiple output controller (MIMO). The controller may interpret the input signal received. The controller may acquire data from one or more sensors. Acquiring may comprise receive or extract. The data may comprise measurement, estimation, determination, generation, or any combination thereof. The controller may comprise feedback control. The controller may comprise feed-forward control. The control may comprise on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. The control may comprise open loop control, or closed loop control. The controller may comprise closed loop control. The controller may comprise open loop control. The controller may comprise a user interface. The user interface may comprise a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, speech recognition package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. The outputs may include a display (e.g., screen), speaker, or printer.

[0166] Fig. 16 shows a schematic example of process 1620 controlled using a control system in a feedback loop control scheme, e.g., in a closed loop control scheme. The control system receives set point 1605 to comparator 1606 that generates an error signal, which is fed 1645 into controller 1640. In other control systems, the comparator can be part of the controller. Controller 1640 generates a control signal that is fed into controlling element 1630. The controlling element may comprise a mechanism utilized for its control function to control process 1620. Controlling element 1630 provides an input to process 1620. The mechanism may effectuate a physical and / or a chemical change, which change is the input to process 1620. The physical change may comprise mechanical change, magnetic change, electromagnetic change, piezoelectric change, electrical change, pressure change, or temperature change. The chemical change may comprise a change in a chemical gradient, or in a chemical entity. Process 1620 can be any process disclosed herein, e.g., any method such as a fabrication (e.g., manufacturing) method. Process 1620 generates an output detected by measuring element 1610, e.g., using its sensor(s). The output provided by process 1620 may be a reaction of the process to the input provided by control element 1630. Measuring element 1610 generates a variable amplitude signal that is fed back into comparator 1606 and is again compared with the setpoint. Measuring element 1610 optionally also generates a controlled variable 1681. Control element 1630 optionally also receives a manipulated variable 1682, e.g., from an external source such as a processor and / or a communication system. Sensor(s) can be used by measuring element 1610 for the measurement of parameters of the process, e.g., 1620. The sensor measurement can be a determination of an amplitude of a parameter such as of a material, e.g., as disclosed herein. In an example, the value of the measurement is consistent and repeatable. The sensor(s) can convert the physical parameters (e.g., repeatedly, and reliably) into a usable form by the control system, e.g., into an electrical signal such as in a digital form. The comparator can perform an error detection, e.g., by determining a difference between the amplitude of the measured variable and a requested set reference point (e.g., set point 1605), which difference is the error signal. The error signal can be amplified and / or conditioned such as filtered. The signal amplification and / or conditioning may be performed by an external component to the controller (e.g., 1640), or within the controller. The reference point (e.g., set point) can be stored in the memory of the controller, or of a memory operatively coupled with the controller. The controller can be a (e.g., micro-) processorbased system that can determine the next operation to be taken in a process. The process may be sequential. The controller may evaluate the error signal in a continuous process control system, e.g., to determine what action is to be taken. The controller (e.g., 1640) can condition the signal, or be operatively coupled with a unit conditioning the system.Conditioning the signal may comprise noise filtering. Conditioning the signal may comprisecorrecting the signal for a non-linearity in the sensor. The controller may include the parameters of the process input control element. The controller may condition the error signal to direct the control element, e.g., 1630. The controller can monitor input signal(s). The input signals may be interrelated. The controller may be configured to direct at least two control elements in concert. The controller may be configured to direct at least two control elements simultaneously. The controller may be configured to direct at least two control elements sequentially. The control element (e.g., 1630) can be a device that controls an incoming material to the process, or any other attribute of the process comprising a physical attribute or a chemical attribute. The physical attribute may comprise mechanical, magnetic, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrical, pressure, or temperature attribute. The chemical attribute may comprise a chemical gradient, or in a chemical entity. The control element can be a flow control element. The control element can be a temperature control element. The control element can have toggle (e.g., On / Off) characteristics. The control element can provide linear, or non-linear, control of the control element. The control element can be used to adjust the input to the process, e.g., bringing the output variable to the value of the set point. The measuring element (e.g., 1610) can consist of sensor(s) to measure the physical property of a variable, a transducer to convert the sensor signal into an electrical signal, and / or a transmitter to amplify the electrical signal. The amplification of the signal can be transmitted with minimal (e.g., without measurable) loss. The control element may comprise an actuator which changes the electrical signal from the controller into a signal to operate and / or control a physical device such as a valve. The controller may comprise a memory or be operatively coupled with a memory. The control system may comprise a summing circuit, e.g., to compare the set point to the sensed signal, so that it can generate the error signal. The summing circuit may be part of the comparator. The controller may use the error signal to generate a correctional signal to control the control element. In an example, the controller controls a valve via an actuator and the input variable. The sensors of the measuring element may comprise optical sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, chemical sensors, proximity sensors, viscosity sensors, chemical sensors, or any other sensor disclosed herein. The chemical sensors may sense a material comprising oxygen, water, or any other reactive agent(s) herein. The sensors may be configured to sense one or more attributes of the methods disclosed herein such as the fabrication methods.

[0167] Control may comprise regulate, modulate, adjust, maintain, alter, change, govern, manage, restrain, restrict, direct, guide, oversee, manage, preserve, sustain, restrain, temper, or vary.

[0168] In some embodiments, the device, system, and / or apparatus disclosed herein comprises a processor. The processor may be a processing unit. The controller may comprise a processing unit. The processing unit may be central. The processing unit maycomprise a central processing unit (herein “CPU”). The controllers or control mechanisms (e.g., comprising a computer system) may be programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. The processor may be programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. The controller may control at least one component of the systems and / or apparatuses disclosed herein. Fig. 17 shows a schematic example of a computer system 1700 that is programmed or otherwise configured to facilitate execution any of the methods provided herein.The computer system 1700 can control (e.g., direct, monitor, and / or regulate) various features of the methods, apparatuses, devices, and / or systems of the present disclosure. The computer system 1700 can be part of, or be in communication with, the device, system and / or apparatus disclosed herein. The computer may be coupled with one or more mechanisms disclosed herein, and / or any parts thereof. The computer system 1700 can include a processing unit 1706 (also “processor,” “computer” and “computer processor” used herein). The computer system may include memory or memory location 1702 (e.g., randomaccess memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 1704 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 1703 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1705, such as cache, other memory, data storage and / or electronic display adapters. The memory 1702, data storage unit 1704, interface 1703, and peripheral devices 1705 are in communication with the processing unit 1706 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit can comprise a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system can be operatively coupled with a computer network (“network”) 1701, e.g., with the aid of the communication interface. The network can be the Internet, an internet and / or extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. In some cases, the network is a telecommunication and / or data network. The network can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network, in some cases with the aid of the computer system, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled with the computer system to behave as a client or a server. The processing unit 1706 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, e.g., memory 1702. The instructions can be directed to the processing unit 1706, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the processing unit to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the processing unit 1706 can include fetch, decode, execute, and write back. The processing unit 1706 may interpret and / or execute instructions. The processing unit 1706 may include a microprocessor, a data processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a system-on-chip (SOC), a co-processor, a network processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specificinstruction-set processor (ASIPs), a controller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a chipset, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. The processing unit 1706 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system (e.g., 1700) can be included in the circuit.

[0169] In some embodiments, the storage unit (e.g., 1704) stores files, such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. The storage unit can store user data (e.g., user preferences and user programs). In some cases, the computer system can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system through an intranet or the Internet. The processor may be configured to process control protocols, e.g., communicate with one or more components of the mechanism (e.g., device, apparatus, and / or system) disclosed herein using the control protocols. Control protocols can be one or more of the internet protocol suites, e.g., transmission control protocol (TCP) or transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP). Control protocols can be one or more serial communication protocols. Control protocols can be one or more of controller area networks or another message-based protocol, e.g., for communication with microcontrollers and devices. Control protocols can interface with one or more serial bus interfaces for communication with the mechanism disclosed herein, e.g., with any of its components. The control protocol can be any control protocol disclosed herein.

[0170] In some embodiments, the system, device, and / or apparatus disclosed herein comprises communicating through a network. The computer system can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through a network. For instance, the computer system can communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., operator). 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. A user (e.g., client) can access the computer system via the network.

[0171] In some embodiments, the computer system 1700 utilizes program instructions to execute, or direct execution of, operation(s). The program instructions can be inscribed in a machine executable code. Methods 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, such as, for example, on the memory 1702 or electronic (e.g., data) storage unit 1704. The machine executable or machine-readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the processor (e.g., 1706) can execute the code. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit and stored on the memory for ready access by the processor. In some situations, the electronic storage unit can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory. The codecan be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine that has 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.

[0172] In some embodiments, the computer system 1700 utilizes a machine-readable medium / media to execute, or direct execution of, operation(s). The program instructions can be inscribed in a machine executable code. A machine-readable medium / media, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium / media, a carrier wave medium, or physical transmission medium. Nonvolatile storage media / medium include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the processor related storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases. Volatile storage media / medium can include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media can include coaxial cables, wire (e.g., copper wire), and / or 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 / media 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, any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and / or data, or any combination thereof. The memory and / or data storage may comprise a storing device external to and / or removable from device, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory stick, and / or a hard disk. 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.

[0173] In some embodiments, the device, system, and / or apparatus disclosed herein comprises, or is operatively coupled with, a communication technology, e.g., in addition to the optical fiber disclosed herein. The communication may comprise wired or wireless communication. For example, the systems, apparatuses, and / or parts thereof may comprise Bluetooth, wi-fi, global positioning system (GPS), or radiofrequency (RF) technology. The RF technology may comprise ultrawideband (UWB) technology. Systems, apparatuses, and / or parts thereof may comprise a communication port. The communication port may be a serial port or a parallel port. The communication port may be a Universal Serial Bus port (i.e. , USB). The systems, apparatuses, and / or parts thereof may comprise USB ports. The USBcan be micro- or mini-USB. The surface identification mechanism may comprise a plug and / or a socket, e.g., electrical, AC power, DC power. The systems, apparatuses, and / or parts thereof may comprise an electrical adapter (e.g., AC and / or DC power adapter). The systems, apparatuses, and / or parts thereof may comprise a power connector. The power connector can be an electrical power connector. The power connector may comprise a magnetically attached power connector. The power connector can be a dock connector. The connector can be a data and power connector. The connector may comprise pins. The connector may comprise at least about 10, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 40, 42, 45, 50, 55, 80, or 100 pins.

[0174] In some embodiments, the cells are manufactured, e.g., to form a battery. An insulator and / or adhesive (e.g., tacky material) may be applied such as at a glass or at a melting temperature of at least one component of the adhesive, e.g., at a temperature of at least about 100°C, 150°C, 200°C, or 250°C. The application of the adhesive and / or insulator can be at least at ambient pressure, or above ambient pressure, e.g., at a pressure of at least about 14.5psi, 14.7psi, 20 psi, or 25psi. The adhesive and / or insulator may harden. The adhesive and / or insulator may have a thickness of at least about 50 pm, 100 pm, or 150 microns (pm). The adhesive and / or insulator may have a resistance, e.g., of at most about 0.1 milliohms (mfi), 0.2 mQ, 0.5 mfi, 1 mfi, or 2 ohms (Q).

[0175] In some embodiments, a battery is manufactured. The battery can be fabricated (e.g., fabricated). The environment may or may not be an ambient environment. The environment may comprise one or more environmental characteristics different than those of the ambient environment. The one or more characteristics may comprise a lower concentration of reactive agent, a higher temperature, or a higher pressure. The reactive agent may react with one or more components of the battery, e.g., during its use, storage, shipping, maintenance, and / or fabrication. The battery cells may be fabricated according to any configuration disclosed herein, and using any material disclosed herein, as appropriate. The tabs may be folded, welded, adhered to a tacky connector, and / or adhered to a solid busbar. The manufacture process (e.g., of any component disclosed herein) may comprise printing, stenciling, heat application, heat transfer, any combination thereof, or any plurality thereof, as applicable. The application may comprise deposition. The printing may comprise stencil printing, direct printing, or sublimation printing. One or more operations of the manufacturing may be controlled by a control system, e.g., comprising at least one controller such as any control system disclosed herein.

[0176] Example 1 : Experiment were conducted comparing the effect of varying levels of FEC concentration to measured roll off point. For example, 5% FEC concentration results in 300 cycles before roll off. 10% FEC concentration results in 400 cycles before roll off. Theexperiments were conducted on a cell having a configuration similar to the ones depicted in Figs. 5-7, with a Lithium Cobalt Oxide cathode (LCO), and a SiOx containing anode.

[0177] Example 2: Experiment comparing the effect of varying levels of temperature / voltages to measured roll off point. For example, 45 degrees results in 500 cycles before roll off. 55 degrees results in 400 cycles before roll off. Figs. 5-7, with a Lithium Cobalt Oxide cathode (LCO), and a SiOx containing anode.

[0178] In some embodiments, the energy manipulation device (e.g., battery) is utilized for providing energy to electrical devices. The device(s) may include smartphone, tablet, wearable electronics (watches, glasses, health tracks), power bank (e.g., for mobile devices), micro portable devices (drones, cameras, smart card), mobile Wi-Fi, Bluetooth headset, smart home related device (loTs), electric toothbrushes, precision grooming tools, small-scale gardening equipment, (e.g., service) robots, (e.g., compact) medical such as chest compression, cosmetics, (e.g., compact) exercise, other wellness devices, learning tools, UAVs (drones) such as for short distance, e.g., racing, short distance, and military drones, torpedoes, and missiles. Also Helicopter, and other industrial equipment, online baking tools (e.g., a bank Ukey), Bluetooth enable devices, EVs (e.g., including consumer, bikes, race cars, scooters), body worn vests, warmers, coolers, cameras, Internet of Things (loTs), Wearables, watches, e-cigarette, augmented reality (AR) glasses, virtual reality (VR) glasses, sensors, hearing devices, smart glasses, or any combination thereof. The device may be utilized for any battery powered electronic product. The robots may be servicerobots for cargo, e.g., maneuvering. The cargo maneuvering may be within a facility, or between facilities. The robot may comprise a warehouse robot. The EV cargo UAV. The EV may comprise a UAV. The energy manipulation device may be utilized for control. The energy manipulation device may be utilized for video streaming, e.g., MP3 player. The drone may be an underwater drone and / or an aerial drone.

[0179] The processes discussed above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the operations (e.g., steps) of the processes discussed herein may be omitted, modified, combined, and / or rearranged, and any additional operations (e.g., steps) may be performed without departing from the scope of the invention. More generally, the above disclosure is meant to be exemplary and not limiting. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features and limitations described in any one embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment herein, and flowcharts or examples relating to one embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment in a suitable manner, done in different orders, or done in parallel. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may be performed in real time. It should also be noted that the systems and / or methods described above may be applied to, or used in accordance with, other systems and / or methods.

[0180] While preferred embodiments of the present inventions have been shown, and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the present disclosure be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the afore-mentioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present disclosure. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the present 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 might be employed in practicing the present disclosure. It is therefore contemplated that the present disclosure shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations, or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the present disclosure and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for energy manipulation, the device comprising: a cell comprising an electrode opposing and separated from a counter-electrode by a gap, the electrode comprising an electrode active material that measurably alters its volume as the electrode changes between its charged and discharged states, the cell being electrochemical, the cell comprising charge carriers and an electrolyte configured to, during use of the device, allow traversal of the charge carriers between the electrode and the counter-electrode; a housing configured to house the cell; an active consumable configured to generate a product in the housing; and a passive consumable configured to convert to the active consumable disposed in the housing, conversion to the active consumable being during a prescribed lifetime of the device, and:(A) a largest cell face type of the cell being substantially rectangular, the largest cell face type having a largest surface area among face types of the cell, the device comprising cells similar to the cell, the cells being stacked along a stacking axis substantially normal to the largest cell face type, the cell having a long side and a short side, a largest face type of the housing having the largest surface area among face types of the housing, the stacking axis being substantially parallel to the largest housing face type,(B) the device comprising the cells stacked along the stacking axis substantially normal to the largest cell face type, the cells forming a cell stack, the device comprising a constraint operatively coupled with a side of the cell stack, the constraint being configured to anisotropically constraint expansion of the cell during operation of the device,(C) the electrode comprising electrode active material, the active consumable configured to generate the product comprising at least a portion of a passivation layer operatively coupled with an exposed surface of the electrode active material, the passivation layer being configured to (i) allow the charge carriers to pass through the passivation layer, and (ii) hinder passage of electrons through the passivation layer,(D) wherein the passive consumable is configured to convert to the active consumable based at least in part on at least one threshold,(E) wherein the passive consumable is configured to convert to the active consumable based at least in part on at least one time, on at least one rate, or(F) any combination of (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the largest cell face type of the cell being rectangular, the largest cell face type having the largest surface area among face types of the cell, the device comprising cells similar to the cell, the cells being stacked along the stacking axis substantially normal to the largest cell face type, the cell having the long side and the short side, the largest face type of the housing having the largest surface area among face types of the housing, the stacking axis being substantially parallel to the largest housing face type.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprising the cells stacked along the stacking axis substantially normal to the largest cell face type, the cells forming the cell stack, the device comprising the constraint operatively coupled with the side of the cell stack, the constraint being configured to anisotropically constraint expansion of the cell during operation of the device.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrode comprising electrode active material, the active consumable configured to generate the product comprising at least the portion of the passivation layer operatively coupled with the exposed surface of the electrode active material, the passivation layer being configured to (i) allow the charge carriers to pass through the passivation layer, and (ii) and hinder electrons.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is configured to convert to the active consumable based at least in part on at least one threshold.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is configured to convert to the active consumable based at least in part on at least one time, on at least one rate.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the active consumable configured to generate the product in the housing during a prescribed operation of the device.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the side of the cell stack faces the largest face type of the housing.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is disposed in the housing, in an interior surface of the housing facing an interior of the device, at a seal of the device, or any combination thereof.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the constraint is operatively coupled with a protection layer configured to protect the device from being harmed by an interaction between the constraint and the housing.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is operatively coupled with the constraint, to a protection layer, to a current collector of the cell, to an endplate of the device, to an insulator of the device, to a separator of the cell, to a divider of the device, or any combination thereof.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is operatively coupled with the constraint, to an endplate of the device, or any combination thereof.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is converted into the active consumable when a concentration of the active consumable falls below a minimum threshold.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable may be converted into the active consumable as a function of time and / or concentration of the active consumable in the cell.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the threshold comprises a concentration threshold, an impedance threshold, a voltage threshold, a temperature threshold, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof; and optionally wherein a concentration is of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the threshold is trigged by an attribute comprising a concentration, impedance, voltage, temperature, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof; and optionally wherein the concentration is: of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein for a prescribed operation of the device, a concentration of the active consumable is most about 30% of a total volume of the electrolyte in which the active consumable is disposed.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is soluble in the electrolyte, and is confined in a casing.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is confined in a dynamic casing having an adjustable permeability (a) to the active consumable, (b) to the passive consumable, or to a combination of (a) and (b), a permeability being dynamic based at least in part on at least one attribute, the attribute comprising a concentration, impedance, voltage, temperature, any plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof; and optionally wherein the concentration is: of the charge carriers, the active consumable, the product, a byproduct of generating the product, any plurality thereof, or any combination thereof.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the adjustable permeability of the dynamic casing being at least in part by dynamic alteration of pores of the casing based at least in part on the attribute.

21. The device of claim 1, wherein the active consumable is soluble in the electrolyte.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is insoluble in the electrolyte.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein the passive consumable is soluble in the electrolyte.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the passivation layer comprises an organic compound is generated from, or includes, a carbonate precursor comprising lithium alkyl carbonates,fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), vinylene carbonate (VC), polymerization products thereof, a plurality of types thereof, or any combination thereof.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein the active consumable comprises a halogen carbonate; optionally wherein the halogen carbonate is a mono-halogen carbonate; optionally wherein the halogen carbonate reacts to form the product and a halogen salt; and optionally wherein the carbonate comprises at least one carbon that constitutes a chiral center.

26. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrode and the counter-electrode are stacked along the stacking axis, each of the electrode and counter-electrode having a length along their long axis perpendicular to the stacking axis, a width, and a height perpendicular to the length and to the stacking axis, and a width along the stacking axis; and wherein (I) an aspect ratio of the length to the height is at least about 2: 1 , 3: 1 , 5: 1 , 6: 1 , 10: 1 , 50: 1 , or 100:1 , the aspect ratio being of the electrode and / or of the counter-electrode and / or (II) an aspect ratio of the height to width is at least about 5:1, 10: 1 , 50: 1 , 100: 1 , 500: 1 or 1000: 1 , the aspect ratio being of the electrode and / or of the counter-electrode; optionally wherein the aspect ratio of the length to the height is at least about 5:1; and optionally wherein the aspect ratio of the height to the width is at least about 10:1.

27. A method comprising: (a) providing the device of any of claims 1 to 26; and (b) manufacturing, testing, buffering, storing, transporting, and / or using the device for the energy manipulation.

28. An apparatus for using the device of any of claims 1 to 26, the apparatus comprises: at least one controller configured for (a) operatively couple with at least one component and with the device; and (b) executing, or directing the at least one component to execute, one or more operations associated with use of the device; optionally wherein the at least one controller is configured to operatively couple with a power source and / or with a communication platform; and optionally wherein one or more of the at least one component is of the device.

29. One or more non-transitory computer readable media comprising program instruction physically inscribed thereon, the program instructions, when read by one or more processors, are configured to (I) execute, or direct execution of, one or more operations associated with use of the device of any of claims 1 to 26, (II) the one or more operations comprising directing at least one component to execute the one or more operations, the one or more processors being configured to operatively coupe with the at least one component, or (III) a combination of (I) and (II); optionally wherein one or more of the at least one component is of the device.

30. A method of fabricating the device of any of claims 1 to 26, the method comprising: executing one or more operations to fabricate the device; and optionally wherein fabrication of the device comprises manufacturing.

31. An apparatus for fabricating the device of any of claims 1 to 26, the apparatus comprising: at least one controller configured for (a) operatively coupling with at least one component; and (b) executing, or directing the at least one component to execute, one or more operations associated with fabrication of the device; and optionally wherein the at least one controller is configured to operatively couple with a power source and / or with a communication platform.

32. One or more non-transitory computer readable media comprising program instruction physically inscribed thereon, the program instructions, when read by one or more processors, are configured to (I) execute, or direct execution of, one or more operations associated with fabrication of the device of any of claims 1 to 26, (II) the one or more operations comprising directing at least one component to execute the one or more operations, the one or more processors being configured to operatively coupe with the at least one component, or (III) a combination of (I) and (II).

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