Review of the Development of Solid-State Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries

The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

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Abstract

This article describes the recent achievement of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for low-temperature lithium-ion batteries, focusing on their mechanisms, material innovations, challenges, and prospects. Ionic conductivity and safety are severely restricted by issues in low-temperature conventional liquid electrolytes, include increased viscosity, dendrite growth, and interfacial resistance. In contrast, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), such as sulfide, oxide, polymer, and hybrid systems, offer advantages including mechanical strength, non-flammability, and chemical stability, which enable them to perform better in extreme environments. Research highlights include covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with confined ionic liquids, ceramic-glass composites that enhance densification and NA+ mobility, and polyzwitterion-based ionic liquids that maintain conductivity down to -30°C. Despite these benefits, SSEs still have a couple of drawbacks, for instance, poor room-temperature conductivity, unstable electrode-electrolyte interfaces, complex synthesis, and high production costs, which hinder large-scale commercialization. Future research directions emphasize nanoscale structural design, interface engineering, and eco-friendly sustainable manufacturing. As technological capabilities innovations,SSEs are expected to extend battery life, improve safety, and exhibits reliable operation even in extreme low-temperature, advance sustainable energy utilization and the achievement of global carbon neutrality goals.