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A review on challenges in low temperature Lithium-ion cells and future prospects

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  • Misiani, Andrew N.
  • Oni, Babalola Aisosa

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries are vital for electric vehicles (EVs) and modern electronics, but their performance suffers significantly at low temperatures, especially below 0 °C. The primary challenge lies in the liquid electrolyte, where reduced Li+ diffusion, poor transfer kinetics, high desolvation barriers, and lithium plating lead to capacity loss and reduced cycle life. To address these issues, this review explores the main limitations of low temperature (LT) electrolytes and current advances in Li-salts, solvents, additives, and innovative schemes. It also examines the challenges faced by each component of Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) —anode, cathode, and electrolyte—in cold environments and proposes modification methods to improve low temperature performance. By analyzing these developments, the review offers perceptions into the design of cryogenic electrolytes and highlights future research paths, aiming to enhance the operability of Lithium-ion batteries in extreme environments such as aerospace and polar regions, thus accelerating their commercialization and broader application.

Suggested Citation

  • Misiani, Andrew N. & Oni, Babalola Aisosa, 2025. "A review on challenges in low temperature Lithium-ion cells and future prospects," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 393(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:393:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925007172
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125987
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bingxiang Sun & Xianjie Qi & Donglin Song & Haijun Ruan, 2023. "Review of Low-Temperature Performance, Modeling and Heating for Lithium-Ion Batteries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-37, October.
    2. Wang, Yujie & Zhang, Xingchen & Chen, Zonghai, 2022. "Low temperature preheating techniques for Lithium-ion batteries: Recent advances and future challenges," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
    3. Zhuo Li & Rui Yu & Suting Weng & Qinghua Zhang & Xuefeng Wang & Xin Guo, 2023. "Tailoring polymer electrolyte ionic conductivity for production of low- temperature operating quasi-all-solid-state lithium metal batteries," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    4. Huang, Ranjun & Wei, Gang & Wang, Xueyuan & Jiang, Bo & Zhu, Jiangong & Chen, Jingan & Wei, Xuezhe & Dai, Haifeng, 2024. "A non-destructive heating method for lithium-ion batteries at low temperatures," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
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    1. Abulimiti, Adila & Zhang, Yudong & Hua, Yiyuan & Cui, Can & Dai, Weiji & Zhao, Cuijiao & Huang, Saifang, 2026. "Entropy engineering strategies in nickel-based layered cathode materials: Advances in structural stabilization and electrochemical performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 402(PC).

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