Advanced separator engineering strategies for reversible electrochemical zinc storage

Zinc ion batteries are favored by researchers because of their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high theoretical energy density. The serious dendrite growth of Zn anode during electrochemical deposition inhibits the development of zinc ion batteries currently. Many research works have been carried out to modify the zinc metal anode surface and aqueous electrolyte. Significantly, as the carrier of electrolyte and the bridge of ions, the separators show promising potential of inhibiting dendrites growth by regulating the ions migration and the electric field of the electrolyte-anode interface. However, a technical review about the separators of zinc ion batteries is still rare. In this review, the basic requirements of separators and the latest development of modification materials and mechanisms are summarized. Finally, the perspectives for further developments on the separators of zinc ion batteries are outlined. This review could offer useful information for the further development of separators for zinc ion batteries.