Performance of an Electrochemical Cell by Deformation-Induced Local Electric Field

A system and method are disclosed that can improve the capacity, energy and cycle life of an electrochemical cell by using a structure comprising a piezoelectric material. In one form, the electrochemical cell comprises: an anode having a solid-electrolyte interphase layer formed thereon; a cathode; an electrolyte, wherein at least a portion of the electrolyte is located between the anode and cathode; and a structure comprising a piezoelectric material, the structure contacting at least a portion of the solid-electrolyte interphase layer of the anode. In another form, the electrochemical cell comprises: an anode having a solid-electrolyte interphase layer formed thereon; a cathode; an electrolyte, wherein at least a portion of the electrolyte is located between the anode and cathode; and a structure comprising units distributed in a matrix, the units comprising a piezoelectric material, the structure contacting at least a portion of the solid-electrolyte interphase layer of the anode.