The present invention relates to the application of a force to enhance the performance of an
electrochemical cell. The force may comprise, in some instances, an anisotropic force with a component normal to an
active surface of the
anode of the
electrochemical cell. In the embodiments described herein, electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge /
discharge cycle involving deposition of
metal (e.g.,
lithium metal) on a surface of the
anode upon charging and reaction of the
metal on the
anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. The uniformity with which the metal is deposited on the anode may affect
cell performance. For example, when
lithium metal is redeposited on an anode, it may, in some cases, deposit unevenly forming a
rough surface. The roughened surface may increase the amount of
lithium metal available for undesired chemical reactions which may result in decreased
cycling lifetime and / or poor
cell performance. The application of force to the
electrochemical cell has been found, in accordance with the invention, to reduce such behavior and to improve the
cycling lifetime and / or performance of the
cell.