Issues and opportunities on low-temperature aqueous batteries

Aqueous batteries (ABs) have received increasing attention for large-scale energy storage owing to inherent safety, environmental friendliness, high ionic conductivity and low cost of the electrolytes. However, they display low discharge capacity and power density in low-temperature conditions, or even cannot operate normally, which severely limits their practical applications. Up to now, some strategies are reported to improve the low-temperature performance of ABs. In this review, we firstly clarify the intrinsic effect of low temperature environment on the battery from perspective of thermodynamics and kinetics. Then, the reported strategies for improving the low-temperature performance of ABs are summarized, including electrode materials design, electrolytes optimization, and modification of other components (e. g. binder, separator, and conductor). Finally, this review shares our perspectives on potential directions for further improving the low-temperature performance of ABs.

Automated summary

Aqueous batteries are gaining attention for large-scale energy storage due to their safety, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, they suffer from low discharge capacity and power density at low temperatures, limiting practical applications. Various strategies have been proposed to improve the low-temperature performance of aqueous batteries, focusing on electrode materials, electrolyte optimization, and component modification.