Innovative amorphous multiple anionic transition metal compound electrode for extreme environments (≤ −80 °C) battery operations

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that function reliably in extreme environments has driven research efforts towards optimizing electrolyte composition, solid electrolyte interphase formation, and electrode materials. In this study, we pioneer an approach that utilizes amorphous-structured multiple anionic transition metal compounds as anodes, strategically paired with a cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME)-based electrolyte, known for facilitating efficient Li⁺ conduction at low-temperatures. The synergistic effect yields exceptional LIB performance over a wide range of operating temperatures, stemming from the unique iron hydroxyl selenide (Fe(OH)Se) anode with a layered structure, enhanced ion diffusion pathways, and reduced energy requirements for conversion reactions combined with the CPME-based electrolyte. Specifically, Li//Fe(OH)Se LIBs with the CPME-based electrolyte exhibits initial discharge capacities of 974.7 mA h g⁻¹ (at 1.0 A g⁻¹) at room temperature, 285.2 mA h g⁻¹ (at 0.025 A g⁻¹) at −80 °C, and 1066.9 mA h g⁻¹ (at 0.2 A g⁻¹) at 45 °C. Notably, even at the extreme low-temperature of −100 °C, these LIBs remain operable.