Lithium-ion batteries for low-temperature applications: Limiting factors and solutions

Modern technologies used in the sea, the poles, or aerospace require reliable batteries with outstanding performance at temperatures below zero degrees. However, commercially available lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) show significant performance degradation under low-temperature (LT) conditions. Broadening the application area of LIBs requires an improvement of their LT characteristics. This review examines current challenges for each of the components of LIBs (anode, cathode, and electrolyte) in an LT environment. In addition, it discusses the possible modification methods and practical solutions for better LT performance of the battery. Finally, several research flaws are pointed out for LT LIBs that deserve greater attention, and tackling them might result in LIBs being operable at ultra-low temperatures. •Discussion on failure of LIBs' components at low temperatures is provided.•Practical solutions to overcome the main low-temperature limitations are discussed.•Main research flaws of LIBs for ultra-low temperatures are pointed out for tackling.