Multifunctional cell for structural applications

A method for making an electrochemical device, comprising the steps of:

• providing one or more electrolytes, one or more separators;
• four or more electrodes;
• one or more inner current collectors;
• and two outer current collectors;
• wherein at least one electrode is an anode and at least one electrode is a cathode;
• the device is assembled by forming a stack comprising the two outer current collectors, four or more electrodes, one or more separators, and one or more inner current collectors;
• wherein the one or more inner current collectors are inside the two outer current collectors;
• wherein at least one of the one or more inner current collectors is not bonded to the two outer current collectors;
• the one or more electrolytes are added to the one or more separators;
• and
• the stack is laminated by heating to about 90° C. or higher under at least 15 psi of pressure;
• wherein the two outer current collectors are bonded together to create a sealed container for at least one anode, at least one cathode, and one or more separators.