Recent advances in cellulose-based separators for zinc-based batteries: Performances, mechanism and perspectives

Zinc-based batteries have attracted widespread attention due to their inherent safety, notable cost-effectiveness and consistent performance, etc. However, the advancement of zinc-based battery technology encounters significant challenges, including the formation of zinc dendrites and irreversible side reactions. Separators are vital in batteries due to their role in preventing electrode contact and facilitating rapid movement of ions within the electrolyte. The incorporation of cellulose in batteries enables uniform ion transport and a stable electric field, attributed to its excellent hydrophilicity, strong mechanical strength, and abundant active sites. Herein, the latest research progress of cellulose-based separators on various zinc-based batteries is systematically summarized. To begin with, the accomplishments and inherent limitations of traditional separators are clarified. Next, it underscores the advantages of cellulose-based materials in battery technology, thoroughly examining their utilization and merits as separators in zinc-based batteries. Lastly, the review offers prospective insights into the future trajectory of cellulose-based separators in zinc-based batteries. Through a comprehensive analysis of the present landscape, the review establishes a framework for the future design and enhancement of cellulose-based separators, thereby fostering the progression of associated industries. With its excellent hydrophilicity, strong mechanical strength, and abundant active sites of cellulose separators as the entry point, the correlation between the structure of cellulose-based separators and the energy storage improvement of zinc-based batteries was systematically summarized from the mechanism. • This review starts by delving into the latest research progress to cellulose-based separators in zinc-based batteries. The superiorities of cellulose-based separators and their rationality for their application in zinc-based batteries are summarized. • This review presents the first systematic and in-depth description of the practical applications of cellulose-related materials in aqueous zinc-ion batteries, quasi-solid zinc batteries and other zinc-based batteries. • This review summarizes recent advances and applications of cellulose-based separators in aqueous zinc-ion, quasi-solid zinc batteries, and other zinc-based batteries, while addressing current challenges and future prospects for energy storage development.