Lithium-Ion Batteries under Low-Temperature Environment: Challenges and Prospects

Area of Science:

• Energy Storage
• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for consumer electronics, offering high energy density and flexibility.
• LIBs exhibit significant performance degradation at low temperatures (<0 °C), including capacity loss and reduced cycle life.
• Key issues include decreased Li+ diffusion, poor interfacial kinetics, high desolvation barriers, and lithium plating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenges of low-temperature performance in LIBs.
• To review and analyze strategies for improving LIB kinetics and stability in cold environments.
• To guide the design of high-performance, long-lifespan LIBs for cold applications.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cathode material modifications to enhance kinetics and stability.
• Evaluation of anode materials and their low-temperature performance.
• Review of electrolyte design strategies, including cosolvents, blended salts, high-concentration electrolytes, and additives.

Main Results:

• Specific modifications to cathodes and anodes improve low-temperature kinetics and stability.
• Advanced electrolyte designs, such as high-concentration and additive-based systems, enhance ion transport and suppress dendrite formation.
• Successful exploration of LIBs with high energy density and extended lifespan at low temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Optimized electrode and electrolyte designs are crucial for high-performance low-temperature LIBs.
• Future research should focus on further enhancing stability and kinetics for broader cold-environment applications.
• This review provides insights for commercializing LIBs in cold climates.