Operation of rechargeable metal-ion batteries in low-temperature environments

Rechargeable metal-ion battery is regarded as one of the most effective technologies for energy storage and conversion, and its booming development has led to its increasing applications in the emerged next-generation electric equipment, such as portable electronics and electric vehicles. However, at low temperatures (<0 °C), performance deterioration of batteries usually occurs, which significantly hinders the wide adoption of metal-ion batteries, especially in high-latitude regions. Such undesirable issue is mainly attributed to the sluggish ion transport in battery systems at low temperatures. Following this crucial consideration, extensive efforts have been made to tackle the ion-transport issues from various aspects. Resultantly, remarkable progress has been achieved, in recent years, on the development of metal-ion battery systems suitable for low-temperature operations. However, up to date, there is no existing systematic review that covers the latest research outcomes and advances on these metal-ion batteries operating at low temperatures. To this end, we first present the ion-transport phenomena in a typical metal-ion battery and discuss the prominent methods for revealing the rate-limiting step of ion transport. Critical ion-transport issues in the battery system at low temperature are also summarized while the corresponding strategies to effectively address these lingering issues are highlighted. In addition, other novel methods for tackling each ion-transport step for enhancing the low temperature performance of metal (Li, Na, K, Al, Zn)-ion batteries are also reviewed. Finally, the remaining challenges as well as relevant directions for future research on these battery systems are highlighted.