Anodes for low-temperature rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable alkali metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+) batteries have shown great success in room-temperature energy storage. However, their low-temperature (subzero temperature) applications are still severely restricted, and the poor electrochemical performance of the anode materials at low temperature serves as a critical obstacle. Therefore, it is urgent to obtain a comprehensive understanding towards the key effects of low temperatures on the performance of the anodes and overview the related improving strategies. In this work, the effects that temperature would impose on electrode performance are firstly discussed. Next, the progress in low-temperature anodes of alkali metal ion batteries is reviewed, by the classification of the reaction types of the anode materials, including intercalation-type anodes, conversion-type anodes, alloy anodes and alkali metal anodes, and corresponding strategies to improve the performance of the anodes are summarized as well. At last, some promising research directions in this field are proposed. This work is intended to shed some light on future exploitation of high-performance low-temperature anode materials.