Promoting Rechargeable Batteries Operated at Low Temperature

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Commercial lithium-ion batteries fail below -20 °C, limiting applications in cold environments.
• Existing low-temperature battery improvements are often limited to discharge or low rates above -40 °C.
• Recharging graphite anode batteries at subzero temperatures faces challenges with lithium-ion intercalation and stripping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To dissect ion movements in electrolytes and electrodes to analyze temperature effects on lithium-ion diffusion.
• To understand the limiting factors of physicochemical and electrochemical properties at low temperatures.
• To propose strategies for advancing subzero temperature battery chemistry.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ion movement in liquid electrolytes and solid electrodes, including interphase behavior.
• Investigation of electrolyte properties like ionic conductivity, viscosity, and solvation structure.
• Evaluation of electrode materials and interfacial resistance for low-temperature performance.

Main Results:

• Sluggish solid-state diffusion and solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) charge transfer are key low-temperature limitations.
• Electrolyte formulation, including solvent mixtures and solvation structure, significantly impacts low-temperature ionic conductivity.
• Metal anodes and co-intercalation chemistries show promise for high-energy-density batteries at subzero temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing electrolytes and electrode materials, alongside interfacial engineering, is critical for effective low-temperature battery operation.
• Understanding the synergetic effects between battery components is essential for improving overall low-temperature performance.
• This research provides insights into key strategies for advancing rechargeable battery chemistry for subzero applications.