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High-energy low-temperature lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) play an important role in promoting the application of renewable energy storage in national defense construction, including deep-sea operations, civil and military applications, and space missions. Sn-based materials show intrinsic low-temperature-sensitivity properties and promising applications in the field of subfreezing energy storage and conversion. In the past decade, our group has studied the intrinsic properties and fundamental applications of Sn-based materials in low-temperature LIBs. In this spotlight, we first discuss the principles on limiting the operation performance of LIBs under cool environments, including the decreased Li-ion diffusion in electrode materials, increased viscosity of the electrolyte, and large electrochemical impedance. Then, we mainly introduce our strategies to improve the low-temperature performance of LIBs based on a series of Sn-based materials, including material phase transition regulation, interfacial structural engineering, and targeted control of the electrolyte composition. Finally, we discuss the further development and directions of low-temperature LIBs based on several aspects of extending cycle life, introducing inorganic components in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and testing the low-temperature performance with large pouch cells. This feature article aims to provide insights into the unique low-temperature properties of Sn-based materials and the potential to improve the low-temperature performance of LIBs through advanced material design and engineering.
Ge et al. (Wed,) studied this question.