Liquid electrolytes for low-temperature lithium batteries: main limitations, current advances, and future perspectives

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can now be used in almost all modern electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, as the range of applications increases, the challenges increase as well, especially at very low tem-peratures. Many individual processes could result in capacity loss of LIBs at low temperatures; however, most of them are associated with the liquid electrolyte inside the battery. In this review, we first discuss the main limitations in developing liquid electrolytes used in low-temperature LIBs, and then we summarize the current advances in low-temperature electrolytes, including lithium salts, solvents, additives, and new strategies. Finally, we present some perspectives on the current state of low-temperature electrolytes for LIBs, outlining the most promising research areas in this field. This review will provide useful insights into the design of cryogenic electrolytes and the path forward to the widespread use of LIBs in cryogenic environments.

Automated summary

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in modern electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, their performance at very low temperatures is a challenge. In this review, the limitations of liquid electrolytes used in low-temperature lithium-ion batteries are discussed, and the latest advancements in low-temperature electrolytes are summarized. The review also provides insights into future research directions for cryogenic electrolyte design and the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in cryogenic environments.