When Zeolites Meet Electrochemical Devices: Progress of Separators

The growing reliance on batteries in modern society highlights the crucial role of separators in energy storage devices. As the demand for high-performance batteries increases, developing advanced separators─guided by a deep understanding of physical phenomena and structure–property relationships─becomes critical for next-generation energy storage systems. Recent developments in separator technology have evolved from simple polymer-based materials to sophisticated organic/inorganic composites. A key innovation in this field is the incorporation of inorganic particles into separators, which significantly improves their physical and chemical performance. Among these inorganic additives, zeolites and other porous materials stand out due to their ordered pore structures, high porosity, large specific surface areas, and excellent thermal stability. This review highlights the chemical and physical properties of zeolites that make them valuable for designing composite separators. We explore the engineering of polymer/zeolite composite separators, with an emphasis on enhancing mechanical strength, increasing ionic conductivity, and promoting favorable chemical interactions. Furthermore, we evaluate the suitability of synthetic zeolites in various types of energy storage systems, focusing on their structural and thermal advantages relevant to separator performance. Finally, we discuss future research directions, potential technological advancements, and the challenges associated with integrating zeolites into catalysts, adsorbents, battery separators, and solid-state electrolytes.