Electrolytes for liquid metal batteries.

• Power networks can use inexpensive liquid metal batteries for large-scale energy storage. • Liquid metal batteries' special structure can prevent dendritic development and minimize safety risks. • The study of liquid metal electrolytes is less than that of liquid electrodes, hence the focus must be shifted to electrolyte research. • Liquid metal batteries' electrolyte issue must be resolved for them to function in low-temperature conditions. Liquid metal batteries possess stable safety performance, high rate performance, and thermal stability. The liquid metal battery stores a large amount of electrical energy producing from wind energy or solar energy. The remarkable performance of the liquid metal batteries is partly attributed to electrolyte, which is an important component of the battery. In this paper, the important research progress of liquid metal batteries electrolyte are reviewed and the electrolyte types which have an influence on energy efficiency are discussed in detail. Then, the limitations and challenges of existing electrolytes are also pointed out. On this basis, the key development directions of liquid metal electrolytes are discussed and clarified. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]