Zinc metal anodes offer a cost-effective and safe solution for large-scale energy storage, yet uncontrolled Zn2+ deposition often leads to dendrite formation, compromising separator integrity and the performance of zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHSs). In this study, we address this challenge by employing a 3D long-range ceramic alumina separator, which effectively inhibits dendrite growth and enhances the overall performance and safety of ZIHSs. The incorporation of this ceramic separator in non-aqueous triethyl phosphate (TEP) electrolyte resulted in a significant improvement in cycle stability compared to the traditional Celgard 2500 separator. Our analysis reveals that the ceramic separator enhances zinc plating kinetics and creates a stable electrolyte interface, leading to a dendrite-free zinc electrode that maintains performance for over 3000 hours at 1 mA cm?2 and up to 3 mAh cm?2. Furthermore, Zn|ceramic separator|PANI full cells achieved an 85% retention rate after 10,000 cycles at 2 A g?1. This multi-component alumina-based ceramic separator offers a promising approach to advancing long-lasting and high-performance ZIHSs.

https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S2468-0230(25)00950-2

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106694