Recent advances in designing solid-state electrolytes to reduce the working temperature of lithium batteries

Abstract

Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) show excellent performance, they have some disadvantages such as poor safety performance and low energy density. Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are widely employed because of their intrinsically high safety, and are considered one of the most promising technologies for next-generation energy storage. However, the relatively high working temperature of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) makes it difficult to work normally at room or low temperatures. Here, we sum up the common strategies to address this issue. This paper mainly focuses on strategies regarding polymer solid electrolytes, which are more difficult to realize at low temperatures. The optimization of electrolyte design, interface, and battery structure, as well as the underlying mechanism is summarized. Finally, the challenges faced by SSEs and promising strategies at room temperature and low temperature are proposed, providing a vision for the development of SSBs to meet low-temperature applications.