Promoting Rechargeable Batteries Operated at Low Temperature

Abstract

ConspectusBuilding rechargeable batteries for subzero temperature application is highly demanding for various specific applications including electric vehicles, grid energy storage, defense/space/subsea explorations, and so forth. Commercialized nonaqueous lithium ion batteries generally adapt to a temperature above -20 °C, which cannot well meet the requirements under colder conditions. Certain improvements have been achieved with nascent materials and electrolyte systems but have mainly been restrained to discharge and within a small rate at temperatures above -40 °C. Moreover, the recharging process of batteries based on the graphite anode still faces huge challenges from the simultaneous Li + intercalation and potential Li stripping at subzero temperatures. Revealing the temperature-dependent evolution of physicochemical and electrochemical properties will greatly benefit our understanding of the limiting factors at low temperature, which is of significant importance.Herein, we dissect the ion movements in the liquid electrolyte and solid electrode as well as their interphase to analyze the temperature effect on Li + -diffusion behavior during charging/discharging processes. An electrolyte is the vital factor, and its ionic conductivity guarantees the smooth operation of the battery. However, it is the sluggish diffusion in the solid, especially the charge transfer at the solid electrolyte/electrode interfaces (SEI), that greatly limits the kinetics at low temperature. Ma…