Embodiments include methods and products for evaluating microbatteries. The microbattery includes a cathode layer, an anode layer physically separated from the cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer in contact with the anode and the cathode. The microbattery also includes at least one auxiliary electrode in physical contact with the electrolyte layer, the auxiliary electrode containing at least one metal coating and at least one non-conductive film, wherein the at least one metal coating is physically separated from the cathode and the anode.

A shared electrode battery includes multiple electrodes of one type (e.g., two or more cathodes) that share an electrode of another type (e.g., a shared anode). The multiple electrodes of the same type (e.g., the multiple cathodes) can have different characteristics, such as different chemistries, particle sizes and distributions, capacities, and so forth that are designed to provide particular features such as high energy density, high power density, high cycle life, fast charge, safety, and so forth. Multiple cathode-anode pairings of one of the multiple electrodes of the same type with the shared electrode are possible. Switching hardware is operable to select one of the multiple pairings at any given time, allowing the battery to provide power using the cathode having the desired characteristics at that given time. A single battery is thus able to provide these multiple different features.

Embodiments include methods and products for evaluating microbatteries. The microbattery includes a cathode layer, an anode layer physically separated from the cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer in contact with the anode and the cathode. The microbattery also includes at least one auxiliary electrode in physical contact with the electrolyte layer, the auxiliary electrode containing at least one metal coating and at least one non-conductive film, wherein the at least one metal coating is physically separated from the cathode and the anode.

Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes a controllable electrochemical cell configured to output electric power. The controllable cell includes an electrolyte and a first working electrode configured to transfer electrons to or from the electrolyte. The controllable cell includes a second working electrode configured to transfer electrons to or from the electrolyte. The controllable cell includes a gating electrode spaced-apart from the second working electrode. The gating electrode is configured, if biased relative to the second working electrode, to modify an electric charge, field, or potential in the space between the electrolyte and the second working electrode. The controllable cell includes a control circuit coupled to the gating electrode of the controllable cell and configured to apply a biasing signal responsive to an electrical property of an external electrical load coupled to the controllable cell.