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Abstract

The present invention relates to cathodes used in electrochemical cells. A force, or forces, applied to portions of an electrochemical cell as described in this application can reduce irregularity or roughening of an electrode surface of the cell, improving performance. The cathodes described herein may possess enhanced properties that render them particularly suitable for use in electrochemical cells designed to be charged and/or discharged while a force is applied. In some embodiments, the cathode retains sufficient porosity to charge and discharge effectively when a force is applied to the cell. Cathodes described herein may also comprise relatively high electrolyte-accessible conductive material (e.g., carbon) areas. The cathode may comprise a relatively low ratio of the amount of binder and/or mass of electrolyte to cathode active material (e.g., sulfur) ratio in some instances. In some embodiments, electrochemical cells comprising the cathodes described herein may achieve relatively high specific capacities and/or relatively high discharge current densities. In addition, the cathode described herein may exhibit relatively high cathode active material (e.g., sulfur) utilization during charge and discharge. In still further cases, the electrical conductivity between conductive material in the cathode (e.g., carbon) may be enhanced during the application of the force.

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First Claim