A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.

Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. Suppression of gas generation is achieved in the cell through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of the respective cell, or to the cell whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are preferably based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.