Electrolyte modulation strategies towards cathode-electrolyte interphase engineering in subzero-temperature lithium-ion batteries

Failure of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) under subfreezing conditions limits their further development in aerospace and military applications, including severe capacity degradation, poor charge ability, and safety issue. Sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics in the cathode-electrolyte interphases (CEI) would restrict the diffusion transfer of electric charge and Li + ions, which is regarded as the main factor contributing to the low-temperature electrochemical failure issue. This review introduces and discusses the latest important interfacial CEI engineering on the layered oxide cathode in enhancing the low-temperature performance of LIBs based on the electrolyte modulation strategies. Firstly, the interfacial issues of layered oxide cathodes and the formation mechanism of CEI film under subzero temperatures are introduced. Secondly, recent progress about the interfacial engineering on inducing CEI construction under low temperature is summarized in terms of the components mainly involved in anions of Li salt, solvent molecule and additive. Thirdly, considering the unique composition and structure of CEI films, advanced interfacial characterization techniques and analysis are summarized. Finally, a perspective of electrolyte design matched with layered cathode materials in low-temperature LIBs is further presented, which may supply a new sight into designs and manufacture of LIBs and other devices for subzero-temperature applications.