Tuning electrolyte solvation chemistry: Advancing low-temperature electrolyte design to elucidate performance enhancement mechanisms

This schematic outlines the full chain from fundamental understanding to engineering optimization for low-temperature solvation structures. The notable decline in the energy and power capabilities of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at sub-zero temperatures continues to impede their utilization in cold-weather applications. Recent research has identified the solvation structure as the fundamental factor governing low-temperature electrochemical behavior. This review systematically addresses this critical paradigm, offering a comprehensive analysis of recent advances. Beginning with techniques to assess solvation ability and build predictive structural models, the text establishes core principles for engineering electrolytes. The discussion then turns to how solvation structure critically determines low-temperature performance, primarily by influencing ionic conduction, desolvation kinetics, and interface stability. This review systematically examines advancing characterization methodologies for elucidating solvation dynamics under cryogenic conditions, providing a critical nexus between empirical measurements and theoretical simulations. The core of this work focuses on advanced strategies for managing solvation structures to enhance low-temperature electrochemistry. These strategies encompass electrolyte composition design, precise tailoring of the coordination environment, and optimization of solvation dynamics. Finally, future research directions and development prospects for solvation -engineered, all-climate batteries are outlined, aiming to inspire innovative approaches for next-generation energy storage systems.