In extremely low-temperature conditions, the performance of energy storage devices, like lithium-ion batteries, is significantly compromised. Conventional lithium-ion batteries often suffer from performance deterioration or even complete failure when the temperature drops below -20℃. Ensuring efficient ion transport and maintaining stable interfacial kinetics at such frigid temperatures remains a formidable challenge. Recently, a team led by Ma Yanwei from the Institute of Electrical Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has made a remarkable breakthrough by developing a lithium-ion capacitor that can operate at an astonishingly low temperature of -100℃, setting a new benchmark for low-temperature functionality in this field.

The team introduced an innovative design approach for low-temperature electrolytes, creating a weakly aggregated electrolyte that exhibits exceptional bulk properties and stable interfacial kinetic behavior. The capacitor developed using this electrolyte demonstrated stable discharge performance at -100℃. This research achievement not only overcomes significant application barriers but also provides a theoretical basis for the advancement of high-performance electrochemical systems. It carries substantial implications for China's deep-space exploration endeavors and polar region strategies. The study was a collaborative endeavor involving multiple institutions.