Critical review on low-temperature Li-ion/metal batteries.

With the highest energy density ever among all sorts of commercialized rechargeable batteries, Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have stimulated the upsurge utilization in 3C devices, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems. However, a high performance of commercial LIBs based on ethylene carbonate electrolytes and graphite anodes can only be achieved at above -20°C, which restricts their applications in harsh environments. In this review, we provided a comprehensive research progress and in-depth understanding of the critical factors leading to the poor low-temperature performance of LIBs, sorted out the distinctive challenges on the anodes, electrolytes, cathodes and electrolyte-electrodes interphases, with a special focus on Li-ions transport mechanism therein. Finally, promising strategies and solutions for improving low-temperature performance were highlighted to maximize the working-temperature range of the next-generation high-energy Li-ion/metal batteries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.