The evolution of low-temperature lithium metal batteries: Materials, mechanisms, and applications

With the rapid development of high-power-consumption devices such as portable electronics, electric vehicles, power tools, and renewable energy storage systems (RESS), there is an escalating market demand for energy storage solutions that simultaneously offers high energy density and reliable low-temperature performance. Sub-zero temperatures cause significant capacity degradation, reduced output power, and shortened lifespan in energy storage devices, preventing them from achieving optimal performance. Consequently, enhancing the operational capabilities of energy storage systems under frigid conditions is critically important. Lithium metal, with its ultra-low standard electrode potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE) and exceptionally high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh/g), endows lithium metal batteries (LMBs) with exceptional potential for low-temperature operation. In recent years, research on low-temperature applications of LMBs has garnered extensive academic attention and generated substantial publications. This review systematically summarizes research progress in low-temperature LMBs and provides an in-depth analysis of current critical challenges and technical bottlenecks. We focus specifically on performance enhancement strategies, particularly electrolyte optimization, separator coating materials, lithium metal anode stabilization, and 3D conductive frameworks design. Finally, the review prospects future development directions for low-temperature LMBs. Through continuous technological innovation and performance optimization, we anticipate these batteries will achieve large-scale commercialization and catalyze revolutionary breakthroughs in the energy storage sector.