What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the relationship between electrolyte solvation and interfacial chemistry in lithium-ion batteries at low temperatures.

May 9, 2026eChem0 citationsOpen Access

Electrolyte Design for Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries: Solvation Regulation and Interfacial Chemistry

KLKexin Li DYDandan Yu TYTianyi Yu

Key Points

To investigate the relationship between electrolyte solvation and interfacial chemistry in lithium-ion batteries at low temperatures.
Review of recent advancements in electrolytes for low-temperature lithium-ion batteries.
Classification of electrolytes into aqueous, organic, solid-state, and ionic liquid-based types.
Discussion on physicochemical property variations with temperature and their impact on performance.
Outlined performance limitations of various electrolyte types at low temperatures.
Proposed design principles to optimize electrolyte performance for lithium-ion batteries in cold environments.
Identified future research directions in electrolyte engineering for low-temperature applications.

Abstract

The development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that operate efficiently at subzero temperatures, particularly below −20 °C, has garnered considerable attention due to their increasing demand in cold environments. Electrolyte engineering plays a pivotal role in ensuring reliable battery performance at low temperatures. However, the relationship between the solvation structure of electrolytes and interfacial chemistry at subzero temperatures remains inadequately understood. A comprehensive investigation of the synergistic effects between electrolyte solvation and the composition and structure of interphase layers is essential for optimizing low-temperature (LT) performance. This review consolidates recent advancements in electrolytes designed for LT LIBs, beginning with a discussion on how temperature reduction influences the physicochemical properties of electrolytes. Electrolytes are classified into four categories: aqueous, organic, solid-state, and ionic liquid-based, with key performance limitations at LT outlined for each type. We further explore design principles aimed at overcoming these limitations, emphasizing the interplay between solvation structures and interphases at subzero temperatures. Finally, we propose future research directions to drive advancements in electrolyte engineering for LT applications. This review serves as a comprehensive roadmap for advancing battery technologies in ultra-low temperature environments.

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