Enhancing lithium storage performance of Sn-P anodes at low temperatures by cooperating with Ni-Mn-Co cathodes

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) exhibit significant performance deterioration in low-temperature environments. Key challenges include severely hindered lithium-ion transport kinetics, substantial capacity loss, and inadequate charging capability, which collectively limit their application in electric vehicles, aerospace, and deep-sea exploration. This study demonstrates the development of a Sn/P/LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 composite anode via ball milling of Sn, P and LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (abbreviated as T8), which achieves exceptional high-rate capability and stable cycling performance for lithium storage under low-temperature conditions. The composite anode delivers a reversible capacity of 660 mA h g −1 after 150 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 under −10 °C and maintains 680 mA h g −1 after 50 cycles at −30°C, even with conventional electrolytes. The incorporation of T8 cathode material facilitates in-situ formation of amorphous Sn-O-P oxides and Li 3 P, enhancing ionic conductivity, pre-lithiation, and reaction kinetics. Transition metals from T8 act as catalytic sites, reducing charge-transfer resistance and enabling high-rate performance (e.g., 480 mA h g −1 at 15 A g −1 in full cells). This work provides a sustainable strategy for designing advanced anode materials with superior low-temperature resilience and high capacity for next-generation LIBs. • Employing cathode materials to modulate anode properties is demonstrated as a feasible and innovative strategy for advancing lithium-ion batteries. • LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (T8) exhibits excellent potential in modulating the SnP anode, enhancing its initial Coulombic efficiency, kinetic performance, and specific capacity. • The composite design effectively mitigates intrinsic drawbacks of Sn-based anodes while enhancing their electrochemical adaptability under extreme temperature conditions.