Building low-temperature batteries: Non-aqueous or aqueous electrolyte?

With the widespread use of rechargeable batteries, they are further expected to be used at low temperature. However, low temperature significantly slows charge transfer process and mass transport within electrolyte and electrode. Due to the inherent distinction on physical and chemical properties, low temperature imposes different limitations on non-aqueous and aqueous batteries. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the challenges in developing non-aqueous and aqueous batteries for low-temperature use. And their different design concerns at low temperature are summarized and discussed.