Separator membranes for aqueous zinc–manganese oxide batteries: a comprehensive review on experimental results and theoretical simulations

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) present the highest gravimetric and volumetric energy density, among the different rechargeable battery systems on the market, but still present safety and environmental issues. Thus, batteries based on different chemistries are being explored. Zinc–manganese oxide batteries represent a promising approach since they use components that are more readily available and accessible, especially in light of the scarcity of resources such as lithium. This review focusses on separator materials and the corresponding interface layers for zinc–manganese oxide batteries, from theoretical and experimental points of view, providing an overview of the most recent studies and advancements in the field. The primary obstacles still limiting the widespread application of these batteries are also covered.