Multiscale Strategies for Low‐Temperature Heating to Break the Cold Barrier of Lithium‐Ion Batteries: From Material Design to System Integration

Abstract

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) suffer from severe performance degradation at low temperatures, including capacity loss, increased impedance, and lithium plating, which hinder their application in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. This review systematically analyzes the underlying mechanisms of low‐temperature performance decay, focusing on hindered Li‐ion diffusion, electrolyte viscosity increase, and interfacial side reactions. Various heating strategies are categorized and evaluated, including active (alternating current(AC)/direct current(DC) pulse heating, convective/conductive heating) and passive (self‐heating structures) methods, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Key findings reveal that pulse heating achieves a rapid temperature rise (8.6 °C min−1) with minimal aging, while material modifications (e.g., anion‐rich solvation electrolytes) enhance interfacial stability. Furthermore, a multi‐objective optimization is proposed for heating parameters (temperature, time, state of charge(SOC)/state of health(SOH) adaptation) to balance efficiency, uniformity, and longevity. Smart heating systems integrating predictive control and sensor fusion demonstrate <0.5 °C error and 38% energy savings. Finally, future directions, emphasizing module‐level heating integration, waste heat recovery, and standardized safety protocols, are outlined. This work provides a comprehensive roadmap for overcoming low‐temperature challenges in LIBs, bridging fundamental research with practical applications.