Aqueous Rechargeable Metal-Ion Batteries Working at Subzero Temperatures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous rechargeable metal-ion batteries (ARMBs) offer cost-effective and safe energy storage solutions.
• ARMBs need to operate reliably in diverse environmental conditions, including cold weather.
• Low-temperature performance of ARMBs is a critical but underdeveloped research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the impact of water freezing on ARMB performance at subzero temperatures.
• To summarize strategies for enhancing subzero operational capabilities of ARMBs.
• To compare the low-temperature performance of ARMBs with organic electrolyte batteries.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of water freezing behavior in ARMB electrolytes.
• Review and categorization of existing strategies to improve subzero battery kinetics.
• Comparative performance analysis of ARMBs and organic electrolyte batteries at low temperatures.

Main Results:

• Water freezing significantly impedes ion transport and kinetics in ARMBs at subzero temperatures.
• Various strategies, including electrolyte modification and component engineering, can mitigate freezing effects.
• ARMBs show potential for low-temperature operation, though challenges remain compared to some organic systems.

Conclusions:

• Addressing water freezing is crucial for advancing practical low-temperature ARMB applications.
• Further research into novel electrolytes and battery designs is needed to optimize subzero performance.
• ARMBs are a promising technology for widespread adoption, contingent on overcoming cold-weather limitations.