1. A separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer, said layer being formed from a coating composition which includes a matrix material or a polymeric binder, heat-resistant particles, and a cross- linker ; said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

2. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said coating composition comprises between 20% to 95% by weight of said heat-resistant particles and between 5% to 80% by weight of said matrix material or polymeric binder.

3. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said heat-resistant particles are selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, A1₂0₃, CaC0₃, Ti0₂, SiS₂, SiP0₄, and mixtures thereof.

4. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrulate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

5. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said polyolefinic microporous layer is a polyolefinic membrane.

6. The separator according to claim 5 wherein said polyolefinic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

7. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said polymeric binder comprises water as the solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a nonaqueous solvent.

8. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polylactam polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, an acrylic resin, and latex.

9. The separator according to claim 8 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam polymer, which is a homopolymer, co-polymer, block polymer, or block co-polymer derived from a lactam. 10. The separator according to claim 9 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam of Formula (1): wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents and R⁵ can be

alkyl, aryl, or fused ring; and

wherein the preferred polylactam can be a homopolymer or a co-polymer where co- polymeric group X can be a derived from vinyl, a substituted or un-substituted alkyl vinyl, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, maleic imide, styrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylvalerolactam,

polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), polyamide, or polyimide; wherein m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that O^Ln^ 10 or O^Irn^ 1.

11. The separator according to claim 9 wherein the homopolymer or copolymer

derived from a lactam is at least one selected from the group consisting of

polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), and polyvinyl-valerolactam.

12. The separator according to claim 9 wherein the polymeric coating comprises a polylactam according to Formula (2) and a catalyst:

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents;

R⁵ can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring;

m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that O^I ^ 10 or O^I ^ 1,

and X is an epoxide or an alkyl amine.

13. The separator according to claim 12 wherein X is an epoxide and the

catalyst comprises an alkyl amine or epoxide.

14. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, acrylic resin, and/or latex.

15. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise an organic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic material, and the organic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of: a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)resin, a polystyrene resin, a polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) resin, carbon black, and graphite.

16. The separator according to claim 15 wherein the ratio of heat-resistant particles to binder in the coating composition is 50:50 to 99:1.

17. The separator according to claim 15 wherein 0.01 to 99.99% of the surface area of at least one of the heat-resistant particles is coated by the binder.

18. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the cross-linker comprising multiple reactive groups.

19. The separator according to claim 18 wherein the cross-linker is an epoxy cross-linker comprising multiple reactive epoxy groups.

20. The separator according to claim 18 wherein the cross-linker is an acrylate cross-linker comprises multiple reactive acrylate groups.

21. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer further comprises another different coating layer formed thereon.

22. A secondary lithium ion battery comprising the separator of claims 1 to 21.

23. A composite comprising the separator of claims 1 to 21 in direct contact with an electrode for a secondary lithium ion battery.

24. A vehicle or device comprising the separator of claims 1 to 21 or the

battery of claim 22.

25. A high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode containing lithium metal or lithium-alloy or a mixtures of lithium metal and / or lithium alloy and another material;

a cathode; a separator according to claims 1-21 disposed between said anode andsaid cathode; andan electrolyte in ionic communication with said anode and said cathode viasaid separator.

26. A separator for an energy storage system comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer or coating, said layer including a coating composition of 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, Al₂0₃ , CaC0₃, Ti0₂ , SiS₂ , SiP0₄ and the like, and mixtures thereof, 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and a cross-linker ;

said matrix material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide,

poly vinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof,

said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of 0.02 to 2 microns, and a Gurley Number in the range of 15 to 150 sec, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

27. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:a coating composition of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the

polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionicflow between the anode and the cathode.

28. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the polymer matrixmaterial comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylehe glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:FIFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF:CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF :HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

29. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte. 30. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

31. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

32. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

33. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

34. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

35. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

36. The separator according to claim 27 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery. 37. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithiumintercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalationcompound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electro chemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a coating composition of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (SiCb), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titaniumdioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeablebattery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmicmicroporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and blockionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

38. The battery according to claim 37 wherein the matrix materialcomprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),

polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PYDF.HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F :CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

39. The battery according to claim 37 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

40. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anodeand the cathode.

41. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

42. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anodeand the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

43. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

44. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

45. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

46. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

47. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

48. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

49. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprisingrat least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a coating composition of heat-resistant particles and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the layer is adapted toblock ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

50. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

51. The separator according to claim 50 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

52. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic compositelayer is further adapted to prevent other electronic shorting.

53. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic compositelayer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

54. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the matrix materialcomprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),

polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

55. The separator according to claim 54 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

56. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

57. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the matrix material is acontinuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

58. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the heat-resistant particles havean average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns.

59. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

60. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate(CaC03), or mixtures thereof.

61. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

62. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

63. The separator according to claim 62 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

64. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic compositelayer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

65. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

66. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

67. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

68. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

69. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling. 70. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

71. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused bydendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

72. The separator according to claim 49 wherein the ceramic compositelayer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

73. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:at least one ceramic composite layer, wherein the ceramic composite layer comprises:a coating composition of about 20- 95% by weight of heat-resistant particles, about 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and a cross-linker, wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of about 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of about 0.02 to 2 microns, and wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

74. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

75. The separator according to claim 74 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

76. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

77. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),

polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

78. The separator according to claim 77 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof. 79. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

80. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

81. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

82. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide

(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

83. The separator according to claim 82 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC03), or mixtures thereof.

84. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

85. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

86. The separator according to claim 71 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

87. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic compositelayer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

88. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

89. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery. 90. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

91. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

92. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling. 93. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

94. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

95. The separator according to claim 73 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

96. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode;

a cathode;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a coating composition of heat-resistant particles and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting, and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator.

97. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof.

98. The battery according to claim 97 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

99. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/g or more.

100. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, or electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof.

101. The battery according to claim 100 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂, FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0i3, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, or polythiopene or mixtures thereof.

102. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the electrolyte comprises aliquid.

103. The battery according to claim 102 where the electrolyte is a liquid organic electrolyte.

104. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the electrolyte comprises aliquid and a polymer.

105. The battery according to claim 102 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected fromLiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF3S0₃)3, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTFIF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof. 106. The battery according to claim 104 wherein the electrolyte comprises asalt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium saltselected from LiPF6, LiAsF₆, L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF (poly inyli dene fluoride), PVDF.THF

(PVDF:tetrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN

(polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

107. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

108. The battery according to claim 107 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

109. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with the electrolyte. 110. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the matrix material comprisespoly ethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),

polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

1 11. The battery according to claim 110 wherein the matrix material

comprisespolyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

112. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the matrix material comprisesa gel forming polymer.

113. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

114. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the heat-resistant particles havean average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

115. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (A1₂C>3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

116. The battery according to claim 115 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI₂O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

117. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

118. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

119. The battery according to claim 118 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a

polyethylene membrane.

120. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between theanode and the cathode.

121. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between theanode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling. 122. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

123. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

124. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites. 125. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

126. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

127. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

128. The battery according to claim 96 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

129. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises:a coating composition of heat-resistant particles having an average particle sizein the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder;

said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN),

polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide

(Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titaniumdi oxide (T1O2), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the battery;and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefinic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

130. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

131. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

132. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer presents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

133. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

134. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

135. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

136. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

137. The separator according to claim 129 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

138. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixturesthereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises :a coating composition of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder;

said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile

(PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon

dioxide(Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (T1O2), S1S2, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shut down polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

139. The battery according to claim 138 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

140. The battery according to claim 138 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/g or more.

141. The battery according to claim 138 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂, FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, L1C0O2, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0_l3, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiopene, or mixtures thereof.

142. The battery according to claim 138 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

143. The battery according to claim 138 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC, EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate), EC/EMC/DMC/DEC, EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

144. The battery according to claim 142 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixtures thereof, wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PYDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:TF1F (PVDF detrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

145. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:a coating composition of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a cross- linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

146. The separator according to claim 145 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or coating compositions thereof.

147. The separator according to claim 145 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

148. The separator according to claim 145 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

149. The separator according to claim 145 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

150. The separator according to claim 145 wherein thematrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

151. The separator according to claim 145 wherein the matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

152. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electro chemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:a coating composition of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size inthe range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a cross-linker in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the matrix material comprises PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO(poly ethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and blockionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

153. The battery according to claim 152 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or coating compositions thereof.

154. The battery according to claim 152 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

155. The battery according to claim 152 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

156. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

157. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

158. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),

polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:E1FP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF: CTFE (polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

159. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the separator is a shutdown separator.

160. A separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer, said layer being formed from a coating composition which includes a matrix material or a polymeric binder; heat-resistant particles; and an adhesion agent ; said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

161. The separator according to claim 160 wherein said coating composition comprises between 20% to 95% by weight of said heat-resisitant particles and between 5% to 80% by weight of said matrix material or polymeric binder.

162. The separator according to claim 160 wherein said heat-resisitant particles are selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, Al₂0₃, CaC0₃, Ti0₂, SiS₂, SiP0₄, and mixtures thereof.

163. The separator according to claim 160 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrulate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

164. The separator according to claim 160 wherein said polyolefinicmicroporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

165. The separator according to claim 164 wherein said polyolefinicmembrane is a polyethylene membrane.

166. The separator according to claim 160 wherein said polymeric binder comprises water as the solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a non-aqueous solvent.

167. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the polymeric binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polylactam polymer, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA),

Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, an acrylic resin, and latex.

168. The separator according to claim 167 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam polymer, which is a homopolymer, co-polymer, block polymer, or block co-polymer derived from a lactam.

169. The separator according to claim 168 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam of Formula (1):

wherein Ri, R₂, R₃,and R4 can be alkyl or aromatic substituents and Rs can be

alkyl, aryl, or fused ring; and

wherein the preferred polylactam can be a homopolymer or a co-polymer where

co-polymeric group X can be a derived from vinyl, a substituted or un-substituted alkylvinyl, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, maleic imide, styrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylvalerolactam, polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), polyamide, or polyimide;

wherein m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<1 :h<10 or 0<l :n<l .

170. The separator according to claim 168 wherein the homopolymer or copolymer derived from a lactam is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), and polyvinyl-valerolactam.

171. The separator according to claim 168 wherein the polymeric coating

comprises a polylactam according to Formula (2) and a catalyst:

wherein Ri, R₂, R3, and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents;

R5 can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring;

m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<l :h<10 or 0<l :n<l,

and X is an epoxide or an alkyl amine.

172. The separator according to claim 171 wherein X is an epoxide and the

catalyst comprises an alkyl amine or epoxide.

173. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc),

carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, acrylic resin, and/or latex.

174. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the heat-resistant particles

comprise an organic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic

material, and the organic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of:

a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, a polystyrene resin, a polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) resin, carbon black, and graphite.

175. The separator according to claim 174 wherein the ratio of heat-resistant particles to binder in the coating composition is 50:50 to 99:1.

176. The separator according to claim 174 wherein 0.01 to 99.99% of the surface

area of at least one of the heat-resistant particles is coated by the binder.

177. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the adhesion agent comprises

a thermoplastic fluoropolymer.

178. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer further comprises another different coating layer formed thereon.

179. A secondary lithium ion battery comprising the separator of claims 160 to 178.

180. A composite comprising the separator of claims 160 to 178 in direct contact

with an electrode for a secondary lithium ion battery.

181. A vehicle or device comprising the separator of claims 160 to 178 or the

battery of claim 180.

182. A high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprising:an anode containing lithium metal or lithium-alloy or a mixtures of lithiummetal and/ or lithium alloy and another materials cathode;a separator according to claims 160 to 178 disposed between said anode andsaid cathode; andan electrolyte in ionic communication with said anode and said cathode viasaid separator.

183. A separator for an energy storage system comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer or coating, said layer including a mixture of 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles selected from the group consisting of S1O2 , AI2O3 , CaC0₃, T1O2 , SiS₂ , S1PO4 and the like, and mixtures thereof;5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder, said matrix material being selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof; and an adhesion agent, said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of 0.02 to 2 microns, and a Gurley Number in the range of 15 to 150 sec, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

184. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and an adhesion agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaCCb), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinicmicroporous layer comprises a polyolefinic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

185. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylehe glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride.hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF:CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride hlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

186. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

187. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

188. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

189. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

190. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

191. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

192. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

193. The separator according to claim 184 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

194. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithiumintercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalationcompound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertioncompound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder; and an adhesion agent

wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises a polyolefinic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

195. The battery according to claim 194 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF-.HFP (polyvinylidenefluorideihexafluoropropylene ), PYD F :CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoriderchlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF :HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof. 196. The battery according to claim 194 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

197. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anodeand the cathode.

198. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling. 199. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

200. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

201. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

202. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

203. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

204. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

205. The separator according to claim 160 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

206. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat-resistant particles and an adhesion agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

207. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

208. The separator according to claim 207 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

209. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer is further adapted to prevent other electronic shorting.

210. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

211. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

212. The separator according to claim 211 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

213. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

214. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

215. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns.

216. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the heat-resistantparticles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO₄, or mixtures thereof.

217. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

218. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

219. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the poly olefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

220. The separator according to claim 219 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

221. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

222. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

223. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

224. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

225. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

226. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

227. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

228. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

229. The separator according to claim 206 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

230. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer, wherein the ceramic composite layer comprises: a mixture of about 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles, about 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder; and an adhesion agent, wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range ofabout 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of about 0.02 to 2 microns, and wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flowbetween an anode and a cathode.

231. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

232. The separator according to claim 231 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

233. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

234. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

235. The separator according to claim 234 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

236. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

237. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

238. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

239. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

240. The separator according to claim 239 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

241. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

242. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

243. The separator according to claim 242 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

244. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

245. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

246. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

247. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

248. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

249. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

250. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

251. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

252. The separator according to claim 230 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

253. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode;

a cathode;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat- resistant particles and an adhesion agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and therebyto prevent electronic shorting,

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator.

254. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof.

255. The battery according to claim 254 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

256. The battery according to claim 254 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

257. The battery according to claim 254 wherein the cathode comprise sintercalation compound, insertion compound, or electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof.

258. The battery according to claim 257 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0_l3, V₂0₅, CuCh, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, or polythiopene or mixtures thereof.

259. The battery according to claim 255 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

260. The battery according to claim 259 where the electrolyte is a liquid organic electrolyte.

261. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

262. The battery according to claim 259 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC, EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof

263. The battery according to claim 261 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF3S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDF :tetrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

264. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

265. The battery according to claim 264 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

266. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with the electrolyte.

267. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

268. The battery according to claim 267 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

269. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

270. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

271. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.

001 to 24 microns.

272. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂),aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti02), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

273. The battery according to claim 272 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

274. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

275. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

276. The battery according to claim 275 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

277. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

278. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

279. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

280. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

281. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

282. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

283. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

284. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

285. The battery according to claim 253 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

286. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and an adhesion agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix materialcomprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),

polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof,

wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

287. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

288. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

289. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

290. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

291. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

292. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

293. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

294. The separator according to claim 286 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

295. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixturesthereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and an adhesion agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide

(PEO),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic

communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

296. The battery according to claim 295 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

297. The battery according to claim 295 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

298. The battery according to claim 295 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNiC , LiMn₂0₄, V₆O_l3, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiopene, or mixtures thereof.

299. The battery according to claim 295 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

300. The battery according to claim 295 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆„ L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, L1CIO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propyl enecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

301. The battery according to claim 299 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF6, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S03)3, LiBF₆, L1CIO4, or mixturesthereof, wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDF:tetrahydrofuran),

PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

302. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and an adhesion agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

303. The separator according to claim 302 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

304. The separator according to claim 302 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

305. The separator according to claim 302 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

306. The separator according to claim 302 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

307. The separator according to claim 302 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

308. The separator according to claim 302 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or copolymers or mixturesthereof.

309. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and an adhesion agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises

PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO(polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

310. The battery according to claim 309 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

31 1. The battery according to claim 309 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

312. The battery according to claim 309 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

313. The separator according to claim 253 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

314. The separator according to claim 253 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

315. The separator according to claim 253 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), olytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F: CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

316. The separator according to claim 253 wherein the separator is a shutdown separator.

317. A separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer, said layer being formed from a coating composition which includes a matrix material or a polymeric binder; heat-resistant particles; and a friction reducing agent; said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

318. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said coating composition comprises between 20% to 95% by weight of said heat-resisitant particles and between 5% to 80% by weight of said matrix material or polymeric binder.

319. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said heat-resisitant particles are selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, AI2O3, Ca CO3, Ti0₂, SiS₂, S1PO4, and mixtures thereof.

320. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrulate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

321. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said polyolefmicmicroporous layer is a polyolefinic membrane.

322. The separator according to claim 321 wherein said polyolef icmembrane is a polyethylene membrane.

323. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said polymeric binder comprises water as the solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a non-aqueous solvent.

324. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the polymeric binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polylactam polymer, olyvinyl alcohol (PVA),

Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, an acrylic resin, and latex.

325. The separator according to claim 324 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam polymer, which is a homopolymer, co-polymer, block polymer, or block co-polymer derived from a lactam.

326. The separator according to claim 325 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam of Formula (1):

wherein R_l R₂, R₃,and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents and R₅ can be

alkyl, aryl, or fused ring; and

wherein the preferred polylactam can be a homopolymer or a co-polymer where

co-polymeric group X can be a derived from vinyl, a substituted or un-substituted alkylvinyl, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, maleic imide, styrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylvalerolactam, polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), polyamide, or polyimide;

wherein m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<1 :n<l 0 or 0<1 :n<l .

327. The separator according to claim 325 wherein the homopolymer or copolymer derived from a lactam is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), and polyvinyl -valerolactam.

328. The separator according to claim 325 wherein the polymeric coating

comprises a polylactam according to Formula (2) and a catalyst:

wherein R_l? R₂, R₃, and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents;

R₅ can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring;

m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<l :h<10 or 0<l :h<1 ,

and X is an epoxide or an alkyl amine.

13. The separator according to claim 12 wherein X is an epoxide and the

catalyst comprises an alkyl amine or epoxide.

329. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc),

carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, acrylic resin, and/or latex.

330. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the heat-resistant particles

comprise an organic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic

material, and the organic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of:

a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, a polystyrene resin, a polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) resin, carbon black, and graphite.

331. The separator according to claim 330 wherein the ratio of heat-resistant

particles to binder in the coating composition is 50:50 to 99:1.

332. The separator according to claim 330 wherein 0.01 to 99.99% of the surface

area of at least one of the heat-resistant particles is coated by the binder.

333. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the the friction reducing agent is

at least one selected from a metallic stearate, a siloxane, a silicone resin, a fluororesin, a wax, and an aliphatic amide.

334. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer further comprises another different coating layer formed thereon.

335. A secondary lithium ion battery comprising the separator of claims 317 to 334.

336. A composite comprising the separator of claims 317 to 334 in direct contact

with an electrode for a secondary lithium ion battery.

337. A vehicle or device comprising the separator of claims 317 to 334 or the

battery of claim 335.

338. A high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprising:an anode containing lithium metal or lithium-alloy or a mixtures of lithiummetal and/ or lithium alloy and another materials cathode;a separator according to claims 317 to 334 disposed between said anode andsaid cathode; andan electrolyte in ionic communication with said anode and said cathode viasaid separator.

339. A separator for an energy storage system comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer or coating, said layer including a mixture of 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles selected from the group consisting of Si0₂ , AI2O3 , CaC0₃, T1O2 , SiS₂ , SiP0₄ and the like, and mixtures thereof;5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder, said matrix material being selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof; and a friction reducing agent, said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of 0.02 to 2 microns, and a Gurley Number in the range of 15 to 150 sec, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

340. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a friction reducing agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmicmicroporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

341. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylehe glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF:CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

342. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with anelectrolyte.

343. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

344. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused bydendrites.

345. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

346. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

347. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

348. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

349. The separator according to claim 340 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

350. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithiumintercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalationcompound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertioncompound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder; and a friction reducing agent,

wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

351. The battery according to claim 350 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F :CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF :HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

352. The battery according to claim 350 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

353. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anodeand the cathode.

354. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

355. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

356. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

357. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

358. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

359. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

360. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

361. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

362. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat-resistant particles and a friction reducing agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

363. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

364. The separator according to claim 363 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

365. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer is further adapted to prevent other electronic shorting.

366. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

367. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

Ill

368. The separator according to claim 367 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

369. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

370. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

371. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns.

372. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the heat-resistantparticles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

373. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

374. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

375. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the poly olefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

376. The separator according to claim 375 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

377. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

378. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

379. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

380. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

381. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

382. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

383. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

384. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

385. The separator according to claim 362 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

386. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer, wherein the ceramic composite layer comprises: a mixture of about 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles, about 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder; and a friction reducing agent, wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range ofabout 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of about 0.02 to 2 microns, and wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flowbetween an anode and a cathode.

387. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

388. The separator according to claim 387 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

389. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

390. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

391. The separator according to claim 390 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

392. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

393. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

394. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

395. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

396. The separator according to claim 395 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

397. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

398. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

399. The separator according to claim 398 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

400. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

401. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

402. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

403. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

404. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

405. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

406. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

407. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

408. The separator according to claim 386 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

409. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode;

a cathode;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat- resistant particles and a friction reducing agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and therebyto prevent electronic shorting,

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator.

410. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof.

411. The battery according to claim 410 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

412. The battery according to claim 410 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

413. The battery according to claim 410 wherein the cathode comprise sintercalation compound, insertion compound, or electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof.

414. The battery according to claim 413 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0_l3, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, or polythiopene or mixtures thereof.

415. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

416. The battery according to claim 415 where the electrolyte is a liquid organic electrolyte.

417. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

418. The battery according to claim 415 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, L1CF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃S03)3, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC, EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

419. The battery according to claim 417 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, L1CF₃SO₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)3, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PYDF detrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

420. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

421. The battery according to claim 420 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

422. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with the electrolyte.

423. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

424. The battery according to claim 423 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

425. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

426. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

427. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.

001 to 24 microns.

428. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

429. The battery according to claim 428 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

430. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

431. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer is a polyolefinic membrane.

432. The battery according to claim 116 wherein the polyolefinic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

433. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

434. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

435. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

436. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

437. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

438. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

439. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

440. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

441. The battery according to claim 409 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

442. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a friction reducing agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix materialcomprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, olyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof,

wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Ab0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the battery;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

443. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

444. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

445. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

446. The separator according to claim 442wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

447. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

448. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

449. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

450. The separator according to claim 442 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

451. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixturesthereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a friction reducing agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), olymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), S1S2, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic

communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

452. The battery according to claim 451 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

453. The battery according to claim 451 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

454. The battery according to claim 451 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0_l3, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiopene, or mixtures thereof.

455. The battery according to claim 451 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

456. The battery according to claim 451 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

457. The battery according to claim 140 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixturesthereof, wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF. HF (PVDFftetrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

458. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a friction reducing agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at lest blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

459. The separator according to claim 458 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), S1S2, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

460. The separator according to claim 458 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

461. The separator according to claim 458 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

462. The separator according to claim 458 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

463. The separator according to claim 458 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

464. The separator according to claim 458 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or copolymers or mixturesthereof.

465. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a friction reducing agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO(polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

466. The battery according to claim 465 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

467. The battery according to claim 465 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

468. The battery according to claim 465 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

469. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

470. The separator according to claim 317 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

471. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PYDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF :HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F: CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

472. The separator according to claim 317 wherein the separator is a shutdown separator.

473. A separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer, said layer being formed from a coating composition which includes a matrix material or a polymeric binder; heat-resisitant particles; and a high- temperature shutdown agent ; said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting; and

at least one polyolefmic microporous layer, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

474. The separator according to claim 473 wherein said coating composition comprises between 20% to 95% by weight of said heat-resisitant particles and between 5% to 80% by weight of said matrix material or polymeric binder.

475. The separator according to claim 473 wherein said heat-resisitant particles are selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, AI2O3, CaC0₃, Ti0₂, SiS₂, SiP0₄, and mixtures thereof.

476. The separator according to claim 473 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrulate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

477. The separator according to claim 473 wherein said polyolefmicmicroporous layer is a polyolefinic membrane.

478. The separator according to claim 477 wherein said polyolefmicmembrane is a polyethylene membrane.

479. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the polymeric binder comprises water as the solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a nonaqueous solvent.

480.The separator according to claim 473 wherein the polymeric binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polylactam polymer,

polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc),

carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, an acrylic resin, and latex.

481. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam polymer, which is a homopolymer, co-polymer, block polymer, or block co- polymer derived from a lactam.

482. The separator according to claim 481 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam of Formula (1 ):

(1),

wherein Ri, R₂, R₃, and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents and R₅ can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring; and wherein the preferred polylactam can be a homopolymer or a co-polymer where co polymeric group X can be a derived from vinyl, a substituted or un-substituted alkyl vinyl, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, maleic imide, styrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylvalerolactam,

poly vinyl caprolactam (PVCap), polyamide, or polyimide;

wherein m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0^I:n^ 10 or O^Tn^ 1.

483. The separator according to claim 481 wherein the homopolymer or copolymer derived from a lactam is at least one selected from the group consisting of

polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), and poly vinyl- valerolactam.

484. The separator according to claim 481 wherein the polymeric coating comprises a poly lactam according to Formula (2) and a catalyst:

(2), wherein R_l R₂, R₃, and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents;

R₅ can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring;

m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that O^Iin^ 10 or O^I ^ l,

and X is an epoxide or an alkyl amine.

485. The separator according to claim 484 wherein X is an epoxide and the catalyst comprises an alkyl amine or epoxide.

486. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc),

carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, acrylic resin, and/or latex. 487. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise an organic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic

material, and the organic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of: a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, a polystyrene resin, a polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) resin, carbon black, and graphite.

488. The separator according to claim 487 wherein the ratio of heat-resistant particles to binder in the coating composition is 50:50 to 99:1.

489. The separator according to claim 487 wherein 0.01 to 99.99% of the surface area of at least one of the heat-resistant particles is coated by the binder.

490. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the high-temperature shutdown agent has a melting point of 140 to 220°C. 491. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the high-temperature shutdown agent is selected from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or poly vinyli dene difluoride

(PVDF).

492. The separator of claim 473 wherein the at least one ceramic composite layer further comprises another different coating layer formed thereon.

493. A secondary lithium ion battery comprising the separator of claims 473 to 492.

494. A composite comprising the separator of claims 473 to 492 in direct contact with an electrode for a secondary lithium ion battery.

495. A high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode containing lithium metal or lithium-alloy or a mixtures of lithiummetal and/ or lithium alloy and another material;

a cathode;

a separator according to claims 473 to 492 disposed between said anode andsaid cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with said anode and said cathode viasaid separator.

496. A separator for an energy storage system comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer or coating, said layer including a mixture of 20-95% by weight of heat-resisitant particles selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, A1₂0₃ , CaC0₃, Ti0₂ , SiS₂ , SiP0₄ and the like, and mixtures thereof, and 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder and a high-temperature shutdown agent, said matrix material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, pol vinylidene

fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof, said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to preventelectronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of 0.02 to 2 microns, and a Gurley Number in the range of 15 to 150 sec, said layer being adapted to block ionicflow between an anode and a cathode.

497. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:a mixture of heat-resisitant particles having an average particle size in therange of 0.001 to 24 microns and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

498. The separator according to claim 497 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylehe glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF:CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:FIFP with less than 28% by weight EIFP, or mixtures thereof.

499. The separator according to claim 497 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with anelectrolyte.

500. The separator according to claim 497 wherein the matrix material is acontinuous material in which the heat-resisitant particles are embedded.

501. The separator according to claim 497 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

502. The separator according to claim 497 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

503. The separator according to claim 497wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

504. The separator according to claim 497wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

505. The separator according to claim 97wherein the ceramic compositelayer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused bydendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

506. The separator according to claim 497 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

507. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electro chemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises:

a mixture of heat-resisitant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a high-temperature shut down agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide

(Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (T1O2), S1S2, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the

polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefinic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and

an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

508. The battery according to claim 507 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F :CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

509. The battery according to claim 507 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

510. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

511. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

512. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

513. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

514. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

515. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

516. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

517. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

518. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

519. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat-resisitant particles and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

520. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

521. The separator according to claim 520 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

522. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer is further adapted to prevent other electronic shorting.

523. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

524. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

525. The separator according to claim 524 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

526. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the matrix materialcomprises a gel forming polymer.

527. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the matrix material is acontinuous material in which the heat-resisitant particles are embedded.

528. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the heat-resisitant particles havean average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns.

529. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

530. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

531. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene. 532. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the poly olefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

533. The separator according to claim 532 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

534. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

535. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

536. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

537. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

538. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

539. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

540. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

541. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

542. The separator according to claim 519 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

543. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer, wherein the ceramic composite layer comprises:

a mixture of about 20-95% by weight of heat-resisitant particles, about 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder and a high-temperature shutdown agent,

wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of about 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of about 0.02 to 2 microns, and wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

544. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

545. The separator according to claim 544 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

546. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

547. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

548. The separator according to claim 75 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

549. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

550. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resisitant particles are embedded.

551. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the heat-resisitant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

552. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

553. The separator according to claim 80 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof. 554. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

555. The separator according to claim 543wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer is a polyolefinic membrane.

556. The separator according to claim 83 wherein the polyolefinic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

557. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

558. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

559. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic compositelayer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery. 560. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

561. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

562. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

563. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

564. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

565. The separator according to claim 543 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

566. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising;

an anode;

a cathode;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises; at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat-resisitant particles and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting, and

at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and

an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator.

567. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof.

568. The battery according to claim 567 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

569. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/g or more.

570. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, or electro chemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof.

571. The battery according to claim 570 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo 0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0i₃, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, or polythiopene or mixtures thereof.

572. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

573. The battery according to claim 572 where the electrolyte is a liquid organic electrolyte.

574. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

575. The battery according to claim 572 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

576. The battery according to claim 574 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDF :tetrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN

(polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

577. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

578. The battery according to claim 577 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

579. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with the electrolyte.

580. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

581. The battery according to claim 580 wherein the matrix material comprises

polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymersthereof, or mixtures thereof.

582. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

583. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resisitant particles are embedded.

584. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the heat-resisitant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

585. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), S1S2, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

586. The battery according to claim 585 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

587. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

588. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the polyolefmic micro porous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

589. The battery according to claim 588 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

590. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

591. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

592. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

593. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

594. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

595. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

596. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

597. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

598. The battery according to claim 566 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

599. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:

a mixture of heat-resisitant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide

(Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaCCE), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the battery;and

at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

600. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

601. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resisitant particles are embedded.

602. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

603. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

604. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

605. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

606. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused bydendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

607. The separator according to claim 599 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

608. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:

a mixture of heat-resisitant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile

(PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof,

wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide(Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-dischargecycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and

at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefinic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode;and

an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

609. The battery according to claim 608 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

610. The battery according to claim 608 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

611. The battery according to claim 608 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂, FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNiO_¾ LiMn₂0₄, n₆0₁₃, V₂0 , CuCl₂,polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiopene, or mixtures thereof.

612. The battery according to claim 608 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

613. The battery according to claim 608 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

614 The battery according to claim 140 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDF :tetrahy drofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

615. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:

a mixture of heat-resisitant particles having an average particle size in therange of 0.001 to 24 microns and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof, and

wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

616. The separator according to claim 615 wherein the heat-resisitant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI₂O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

617. The separator according to claim 615 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

618. The separator according to claim 615 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resisitant particles are embedded.

619. The separator according to claim 615 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

620. The separator according to claim 615 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

621. The separator according to claim 615 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

622. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises:

a mixture of heat-resisitant particles having an average particle size inthe range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a high-temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO(polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises a polyolefinic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

623. The battery according to claim 622 wherein the heat-resisitant particlescomprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate(CaC0₃), titanium dioxide (Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

624. The battery according to claim 622 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

625. The battery according to claim 622 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

626. The separator according to claim 473 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

627. The separator according to claim 473 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

628. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F: CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

629. The separator according to claim 473 wherein the separator is a shutdown separator.

630. A vehicle or device comprising the separator of claims 473 to 492 or the

battery of claim 493.

631.A separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer, said layer being formed from a coating composition which includes a matrix material or a polymeric binder; heat-resistant particles; and a low-temperature shutdown agent ; said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

632. The separator according to claim 631 wherein said coating composition comprises between 20% to 95% by weight of said heat-resisitant particles and between 5% to 80% by weight of said matrix material or polymeric binder.

633. The separator according to claim 631 wherein said heat-resisitant particles are selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, Al₂0₃, CaC0₃, Ti0₂, SiS₂, SiP0₄, and mixtures thereof.

634. The separator according to claim 631 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, poly vinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrulate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

635. The separator according to claim 631 wherein said polyolefmicmicroporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

636. The separator according to claim 635 wherein said polyolefmicmembrane is a polyethylene membrane.

637. The separator according to claim 631 wherein said polymeric binder comprises water as the solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a non-aqueous solvent.

638. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the polymeric binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polylactam polymer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA),

Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, an acrylic resin, and latex.

639. The separator according to claim 638 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam polymer, which is a homopolymer, co-polymer, block polymer, or block co-polymer derived from a lactam.

640. The separator according to claim 639 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam of Formula (1):

wherein Ri, R₂, R₃,and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents and R₅ can be

alkyl, aryl, or fused ring; and

wherein the preferred polylactam can be a homopolymer or a co-polymer where

co-polymeric group X can be a derived from vinyl, a substituted or un-substituted alkylvinyl, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, maleic imide, styrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylvalerolactam, polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), polyamide, or polyimide;

wherein m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4, and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<l :n<l 0 or 0<l :h<1.

641. The separator according to claim 639 wherein the homopolymer or copolymer derived from a lactam is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly vinyl caprolactam (PVCap), and polyvinyl-valerolactam.

642. The separator according to claim 639 wherein the polymeric coating

comprises a polylactam according to Formula (2) and a catalyst:

wherein Ri, R₂, R₃, and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents;

R₅ can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring;

m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<l :n l 0 or 0<l :h<1 ,

and X is an epoxide or an alkyl amine.

643. The separator according to claim 642 wherein X is an epoxide and the

catalyst comprises an alkyl amine or epoxide.

644. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc),

carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, acrylic resin, and/or latex.

645. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the heat-resistant particles

comprise an organic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic material, and the organic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of:

a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, a polystyrene resin, a polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) resin, carbon black, and graphite.

646. The separator according to claim 645 wherein the ratio of heat-resistant

particles to binder in the coating composition is 50:50 to 99:1.

647. The separator according to claim 645 wherein 0.01 to 99.99% of the surface

area of at least one of the heat-resistant particles is coated by the binder.

648. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the low-temperature shutdown

agent comprises at least one of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl pyrrollidone (PVP).

649. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer further comprises another different coating layer formed thereon.

650. A secondary lithium ion battery comprising the separator of claims 631 to 649.

651. A composite comprising the separator of claims 631 to 649 in direct contact

with an electrode for a secondary lithium ion battery.

652. A vehicle or device comprising the separator of claims 631 to 649 or the

battery of claim 650.

653. A high energy rechargeable lithium battery comp rising: an anode containing lithium metal or lithium-alloy or a mixtures of lithiummetal and / or lithium alloy and another materials cathode;a separator according to claims 631 to 649 disposed between said anode andsaid cathode; andan electrolyte in ionic communication with said anode and said cathode viasaid separator.

654. A separator for an energy storage system comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer or coating, said layer including a mixture of 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles selected from the group consisting of S1O2 , A1₂0₃ , CaC0₃, T1O2 , SiS₂ , S1PO4 and the like, and mixtures thereof;5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder, said matrix material being selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof; and a low-temperature shutdown agent, said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of 0.02 to 2 microns, and a Gurley Number in the range of 15 to 150 sec, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

655. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a low- temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge- dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmicmicroporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

656. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylehe glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF:CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

657. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with anelectrolyte.

658. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

659. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused bydendrites.

670. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

671. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

672. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

673. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

674. The separator according to claim 655 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

675. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithiumintercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalationcompound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertioncompound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder; and a low-temperature shutdown agent,

wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

676. The battery according to claim 675 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F :CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

677. The battery according to claim 665 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

678. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anodeand the cathode.

679. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

680. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

681. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

682. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

683. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

684. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

685. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

686. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

687. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat-resistant particles and a low-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

688. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

689. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

690. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer is further adapted to prevent other electronic shorting.

691. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

692. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

693. The separator according to claim 52 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

694. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

695. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

696. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns.

697. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the heat-resistantparticles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), S1S2, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

698. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

699. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

700. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the poly olefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

701. The separator according to claim 60 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

702. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

703. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

704. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

705. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

706. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

707. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

708. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

709. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

710. The separator according to claim 687 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

71 1. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer, wherein the ceramic composite layer comprises: a mixture of about 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles, about 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder; and a low-temperature shutdown agent, wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer having a porosity in the range ofabout 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of about 0.02 to 2 microns, and wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flowbetween an anode and a cathode.

712. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

713. The separator according to claim 712 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

714. The separator according to claim 71 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

715. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), olymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

716. The separator according to claim 75 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

717. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

718. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

719. The separator according to claim 71 1 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

720. The separator according to claim 71 1 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS¾ SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

721. The separator according to claim 80 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

722. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

723. The separator according to claim 71 1 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

724. The separator according to claim 83 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

725. The separator according to claim 71 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

726. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

727. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

728. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

729. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

730. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

731. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

732. The separator according to claim 711 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

733. The separator according to claim 71 1 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

734. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode;

a cathode;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat- resistant particles and a low-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and therebyto prevent electronic shorting,

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator.

735. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof.

736. The battery according to claim 735 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

737. The battery according to claim 735 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

738. The battery according to claim 735 wherein the cathode comprise sintercalation compound, insertion compound, or electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof.

739. The battery according to claim 738 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe3, LiCo02, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0i₃, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, or polythiopene or mixtures thereof.

740. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

741. The battery according to claim 740 where the electrolyte is a liquid organic electrolyte.

742. The battery according to claim 734wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

743. The battery according to claim 740 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF₃S0₃)3, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC, EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

744. The battery according to claim 102 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPFg, LiAsF₆, L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, L1CIO4, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDF itetrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

745. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

746. The battery according to claim 745 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

747. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with the electrolyte.

748. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

749. The battery according to claim 748 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

750. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

751. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

752. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

753. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

754. The battery according to claim 753 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

755. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

756. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

757. The battery according to claim 756 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

758. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

759. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

760. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

761. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

762. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

763. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

764. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

765. The battery according to claim 734wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

766. The battery according to claim 734 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

767. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a low- temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix materialcomprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF),

polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

768. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

769. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

770. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

771. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

772. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

773. The separator according to claim 767wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

774. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

775. The separator according to claim 767 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

776. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixturesthereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a low-temperature shutdown agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaCC ), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic

communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

777. The battery according to claim 776 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

778. The battery according to claim 776 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

779. The battery according to claim 776 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0i₃, V2O5, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiopene, or mixtures thereof.

780. The battery according to claim 776 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

781. The battery according to claim 776 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from L1PF6, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTFIF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

782. The battery according to claim 140 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF6, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, L1CIO4, or mixturesthereof, wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDF:tetrahydrofuran),

PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

783. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a low- temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

784. The separator according to claim 143 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO₄, or mixtures thereof.

785. The separator according to claim 143 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

786. The separator according to claim 143 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

787. The separator according to claim 143 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

788. The separator according to claim 143 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

789. The separator according to claim 143 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or copolymers or mixturesthereof.

790. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a low-temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO(polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyoleflnic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

791. The battery according to claim 790 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI₂O₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(TiC>2), SiS₂, S1PO₄, or mixtures thereof.

792. The battery according to claim 790 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

793. The battery according to claim 790 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

794. The separator according to claim 631 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

795. The separator according to claim 1 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile,

polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

796. The separator according to claim 1 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F: CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

797. The separator according to claim 631 wherein the separator is a shutdown separator.

798. A separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer, said layer being formed from a coating composition which includes a matrix material or a polymeric binder; heat-resistant particles; and a thickener and/or a X-Ray detectable agent, element or material; said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

799. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said coating composition comprises between 20% to 95% by weight of said heat-resisitant particles and between 5% to 80% by weight of said matrix material or polymeric binder.

800. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said heat-resisitant particles are selected from the group consisting of Si0₂, AI2O3, CaC0₃, Ti0₂, SiS₂, S1PO4, and mixtures thereof.

801. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrulate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

802. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

803. The separator according to claim 802 wherein said polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

804. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said polymeric binder comprises water as the solvent, an aqueous solvent, or a non-aqueous solvent.

805. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the polymeric binder comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polylactam polymer, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA),

Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, an acrylic resin, and latex.

806. The separator according to claim 805 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam polymer, which is a homopolymer, co-polymer, block polymer, or block co-polymer derived from a lactam.

807. The separator according to claim 806 wherein the polymeric binder comprises a polylactam of Formula (1):

wherein Rj, R₂, R₃,and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents and R₅ can be

alkyl, aryl, or fused ring; and

wherein the preferred polylactam can be a homopolymer or a co-polymer where

co-polymeric group X can be a derived from vinyl, a substituted or un-substituted alkylvinyl, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, maleic imide, styrene, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylvalerolactam, polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), polyamide, or polyimide;

wherein m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<l :h<10 or 0<l :n<l.

808. The separator according to claim 806 wherein the homopolymer or copolymer derived from a lactam is at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), and poly vinyl -valerolactam.

809. The separator according to claim 806 wherein the polymeric coating

comprises a polylactam according to Formula (2) and a catalyst:

wherein R_ls R₂, R₃, and R₄ can be alkyl or aromatic substituents;

R₅ can be alkyl, aryl, or fused ring;

m can be an integer between 1 and 10, preferably between 2 and 4,

and wherein the ratio of I to n is such that 0<l :n<l 0 or 0<l :h<1 ,

and X is an epoxide or an alkyl amine.

810. The separator according to claim 809 wherein X is an epoxide and the

catalyst comprises an alkyl amine or epoxide.

811. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl acetate (PVAc),

carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), an isobutylene polymer, acrylic resin, and/or latex. 812. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the heat-resistant particles

comprise an organic material or a mixture of an organic material and an inorganic

material, and the organic material is at least one selected from the group consisting of:

a polyimide resin, a melamine resin, a phenol resin, a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, a polystyrene resin, a polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) resin, carbon black, and graphite.

813. The separator according to claim 812 wherein the ratio of heat-resistant

particles to binder in the coating composition is 50:50 to 99:1.

814. The separator according to claim 812 wherein 0.01 to 99.99% of the surface

area of at least one of the heat-resistant particles is coated by the binder.

815. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent comprises silica, CMC, Barium Sulfate, alumina, boehmite, clay, kaolin, X-Ray detectable materials, kaolin clay, calcined clay, kaolinite, meta-stable alumina, or combinations, mixtures or blends thereof, and/or the like.

816. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer further comprises another different coating layer formed thereon.

817. A secondary lithium ion battery comprising the separator of claims 798 to 816.

818. A composite comprising the separator of claims 798 to 816 in direct contact

with an electrode for a secondary lithium ion battery.

819. A vehicle or device comprising the separator of claims 798 to 816 or the

battery of claim 20.

820. A high energy rechargeable lithium battery comprisingian anode containing lithium metal or lithium-alloy or a mixtures of lithium metal and/ or lithium alloy and another material^ cathode;a separator according to claims 798-19 disposed between said anode and said cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with said anode and said cathode via said separator.

821. A separator for an energy storage system comprises:

at least one ceramic composite layer or coating, said layer including a mixture of 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles selected from the group consisting of S1O2 , AI2O3 , CaC0₃, Ti0₂ , SiS₂ , SiP0₄ and the like, and mixtures thereof;5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder, said matrix material being selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, copolymers of the foregoing, and mixtures thereof; and a low-temperature shutdown agent, said layer being adapted to at least block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range of 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of 0.02 to 2 microns, and a Gurley Number in the range of 15 to 150 sec, said layer being adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

822. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a low- temperature shutdown agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (SiCte), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive chargedischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinicmicroporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

823. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylehe glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride:hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF:CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF :HFP with less than 28% by weight F1FP, or mixtures thereof.

824. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with anelectrolyte.

825. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

826. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused bydendrites.

827. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

828. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

829. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

830. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

831. The separator according to claim 822 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

832. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithiumintercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalationcompound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertioncompound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises:at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25mi crons and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder; and a thickener and/or an X-Ray detectable agent,

wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof, andwherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery; and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises a polyolefinic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

833. The battery according to claim 832 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF-.HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride.hexafluoropropylene ), PVD F :CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoride:chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE,PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

834. The battery according to claim 832 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

835. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anodeand the cathode.

836. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

837. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

838. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

839. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

840. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

841. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

842. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

843. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

844. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat-resistant particles and a thickener and/or an X-Ray detectable agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the layer is adapted to block ionic flow between an anode and a cathode.

845. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

846. The separator according to claim 48 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

847. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer is further adapted to prevent other electronic shorting.

848. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

849. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

850. The separator according to claim 849 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

851. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

852. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

853. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns.

854. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the heat-resistantparticles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

855. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

856. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

857. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the poly olefinic microporous layer is a polyolefinic membrane.

858. The separator according to claim 857 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

859. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

860. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

861. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

862. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

863. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

864. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

865. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

866. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

867. The separator according to claim 844 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

868. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer, wherein the ceramic composite layer comprises: a mixture of about 20-95% by weight of heat-resistant particles, about 5-80% by weight of a matrix material or a polymeric binder; and a thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent, wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge- discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer having a porosity in the range ofabout 20-80%, an average pore size in the range of about 0.02 to 2 microns, and wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flowbetween an anode and a cathode.

869. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

870. The separator according to claim 869 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

871. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

872. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

873. The separator according to claim 872 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PEO), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

874. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

875. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

876. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

877. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof.

878. The separator according to claim 877 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

879. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

880. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane. 881. The separator according to claim 880 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

882. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

883. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling. 883. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

884. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

885. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

886. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

887. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

889. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

890. The separator according to claim 868 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

891. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode;

a cathode;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises :at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer includes a mixture of heat- resistant particles and a thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and therebyto prevent electronic shorting, and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefinic microporous layer is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator.

892. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof.

893. The battery according to claim 892 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

894. The battery according to claim 892 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

895. The battery according to claim 892 wherein the cathode comprise sintercalation compound, insertion compound, or electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof.

896. The battery according to claim 895 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V₆0i₃, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, or polythiopene or mixtures thereof.

897. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

898. The battery according to claim 897 where the electrolyte is a liquid organic electrolyte.

899. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

900. The battery according to claim 897 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC, EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

901. The battery according to claim 899 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF3S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF (PVDFdetrahydrofuran), PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

902. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating.

903. The battery according to claim 902 wherein the coating thickness is in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns.

904. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with the electrolyte.

905. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), po 1 ytctraeth yiene glycol

diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

906. The battery according to claim 905 wherein the matrix material comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide (PE O), copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof.

907. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the matrix material comprises a gel forming polymer.

908. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

909. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the heat-resistant particles have an average particle size in the range of about 0.001 to 24 microns.

910. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti02), SiS₂, S1PO₄, or mixtures thereof.

911. The batery according to claim 910 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), or mixtures thereof.

912. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises polyethylene or polypropylene.

913. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer is a polyolefmic membrane.

914. The battery according to claim 913 wherein the polyolefmic membrane is a polyethylene membrane.

915. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

916. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

917. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode throughout the cycle life of the battery.

918. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

919. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

920. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

921. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge- discharge cycling.

922. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

923. The battery according to claim 891 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

924. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix materialeomprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF),

polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (A1₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

925. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

926. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

927. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

928. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites.

929. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

930. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts caused by dendrites that grow during repetitive charge-discharge cycling.

931. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

932. The separator according to claim 924 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating soft shorts that are caused by dendrites, throughout the life of a commercial rechargeable battery.

933. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixturesthereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent in a matrix material or a polymeric binder, the said matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA),

polytetraethyleneglycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the heat- resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, SiP0₄, or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and thereby to prevent electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between an anode and a cathode throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefinic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a shutdown polyolefmic membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic

communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

934. The battery according to claim 933 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

935. The battery according to claim 933 wherein the anode has an energy capacity of about 372 mAh/ g or more.

936. The battery according to claim 933 wherein the cathode comprises MoS₂,FeS₂, Mn0₂, TiS₂, NbSe₃, LiCo0₂, LiNi0₂, LiMn₂0₄, V6O13, V₂0₅, CuCl₂, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiopene, or mixtures thereof.

937. The battery according to claim 933 wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid and a polymer.

938. The battery according to claim 933 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt and a liquid solvent, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, L1CF3SO3, LiN(CF3S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiCl0₄, or mixtures thereof, and wherein the liquid solvent comprises ethylene carbonate (EC), propylenecarbonate (PC), EC/PC, 2-MeTHF(2- methyltetrahydrofuran)/EC/PC,EC/DMC (dimethyl carbonate), EC/DME (dimethyl ethane), EC/DEC (diethylcarbonate), EC/EMC (ethylmethyl carbonate),

EC/EMC/DMC/DEC,EC/EMC/DMC/DEC/PE, PC/DME, DME/PC, or mixtures thereof.

939. The battery according to claim 937 wherein the electrolyte comprises a salt, a liquid solvent and a polymer, wherein the salt comprises a lithium salt selected from LiPF₆, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃S0₃, LiN(CF₃S0₃)₃, LiBF₆, LiC10₄, or mixturesthereof, wherein the liquid solvent and the polymer comprise PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PVDF:THF(PVDF:tetrahydrofuran),

PVDF:CTFE(PVDF: chlorotrifluoro ethylene), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO

(polyethyleneoxide), or mixtures thereof.

940. A separator for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least blockdendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-dischargecycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode.

941. The separator according to claim 940 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (Si0₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂0₃), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

942. The separator according to claim 940 wherein the ceramic composite layer is nonporous such that pores are formed once in contact with an electrolyte.

943. The separator according to claim 940 wherein the matrix material is a continuous material in which the heat-resistant particles are embedded.

944. The separator according to claim 940 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by eliminating hard shorts caused by dendrites.

945. The separator according to claim 940 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PEO (polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

946. The separator according to claim 940 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or copolymers or mixturesthereof.

947. A rechargeable lithium battery comprising:

an anode wherein the anode comprises lithium metal, lithium alloy, lithium intercalation compound, lithium insertion compound, carbon intercalation compound, or mixtures thereof; a cathode wherein the cathode comprises intercalation compound, insertion compound, electrochemically active polymer, or mixtures thereof;

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode wherein the separator comprises: at least one ceramic composite layer wherein the ceramic composite layer is a coating with a thickness in the range of about 0.01 to 25 microns and comprises: a mixture of heat-resistant particles having an average particle size in the range of 0.001 to 24 microns and a thickener and/or X-Ray detectable agent in a polymer matrix material or a polymeric binder, wherein the polymer matrix material comprises PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride), PAN (polyacrylonitrile),

PEO(polyethylene oxide), or copolymers or mixtures thereof,

and wherein the ceramic composite layer is adapted to at least block dendrite growth after repetitive charge-discharge cycling and to prevent electronic shorting throughout repetitive charge-discharge cycling throughout the cycle life of the rechargeable battery;

and at least one polyolefmic microporous layer wherein the polyolefmic microporous layer comprises a polyolefmic membrane of at least one of polyethylene or polypropylene and is adapted to shut down and block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode; and an electrolyte in ionic communication with the anode and the cathode via the separator wherein the electrolyte comprises a liquid.

948. The battery according to claim 947 wherein the heat-resistant particles comprise silicon dioxide (S1O2), aluminum oxide (AI2O3), calcium carbonate (CaC0₃), titanium dioxide(Ti0₂), SiS₂, S1PO4, or mixtures thereof.

949. The battery according to claim 947 wherein the anode comprises pure carbon intercalation compound.

950. The battery according to claim 947 wherein the ceramic composite layer prevents electronic shorting by preventing direct contact between the anode and the cathode.

951. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

952. The separator according to claim 798 wherein said matrix material is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, and mixtures thereof.

953. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the polymer matrix material comprises polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), olytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA), polytetraethylene glycol diacrylate, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof, PVDF and/or PEO and their copolymers, PVDF:HFP (polyvinylidenefluoride :hexafluoropropylene ), PVDF: CTFE

(polyvinylidenefluoridexhlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF:CTFE with less than 23% by weight CTFE, PVDF:HFP with less than 28% by weight HFP, or mixtures thereof.

954. The separator according to claim 798 wherein the separator is a shutdown separator.

955. New or improved coatings for porous or microporous substrates, including battery separators, capacitor separators, fuel cell membranes, textile materials, garment materials or layers, filtration materials, and the like, and new and/or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, and more particularly, to new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, capacitor separators, fuel cell membranes, textile materials, garment materials or layers, filtration materials, and the like which comprise at least (i) a polymeric binder, (ii) optional organic and/or inorganic compression resistant, dendrite resistant, and/or heat-resistant particles, and (iii) at least one component selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker, a shutdown agent, a low-temperature shutdown agent, a high temperature shutdown agent, an adhesion agent, an X-Ray detectable element, a friction- reducing agent, and/or a thickener, and/or to new and/or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least (i) a polymeric binder, (ii) optional organic and/or inorganic compression resistant, dendrite resistant, and/or heat-resistant particles, and (iii) at least one component selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker, a shutdown agent, a low-temperature shutdown agent, a high temperature shutdown agent, an adhesion agent, an X-Ray detectable element, a friction-reducing agent, and/or a thickener, and/or wherein the X-ray detectable agent or element being selected from the group consisting of metal, metal oxide, metal phosphate, metal carbonate, X-ray fluorescent material, metal salt, metal sulfate, or mixtures thereof, and any of the foregoing metals being selected from the group consisting of Zn, Ti, Mn, Ba, Ni, W, Hg, Si, Cs, Sr, Ca, Rb, Ta, Zr, Al, Pb, Sn, Sb, Cu, Fe, and mixtures thereof.

956. New and/or improved coatings for porous or microporous substrates, including battery separators or separator membranes, and/or coated porous substrates, including coated battery separators, and/or batteries or cells including such coatings or coated separators, and/or related methods including methods of manufacture and/or of use thereof; new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, which comprise at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components, and/or to new or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least a polymeric binder and heat-resistant particles with or without additional additives, materials or components; new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, and new and/or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, and more particularly, to new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, which comprise at least (i) a polymeric binder, (ii) heat-resistant particles, and (iii) at least one component selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker, a low- temperature shutdown agent, an adhesion agent, and a thickener, and/or to new and/or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least (i) a polymeric binder, (ii) heat-resistant particles, and (iii) at least one component selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker, a low-temperature shutdown agent, an adhesion agent, a thickener, a friction-reducing agent, a high-temperature shutdown agent; new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, capacitor separators, fuel cell membranes, textile materials, garment materials or layers, filtration materials, and the like, and new and/or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, and more particularly, to new or improved coatings for porous substrates, including battery separators, capacitor separators, fuel cell membranes, textile materials, garment materials or layers, filtration materials, and the like which comprise at least (i) a polymeric binder, (ii) optional organic and/or inorganic compression resistant, dendrite resistant, and/or heat-resistant particles, and (iii) at least one component selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker, a shutdown agent, a low-temperature shutdown agent, a high temperature shutdown agent, an adhesion agent, an X- Ray detectable element, a friction-reducing agent, and/or a thickener, and/or to new and/or improved coated porous substrates, including battery separators, where the coating comprises at least (i) a polymeric binder, (ii) optional organic and/or inorganic compression resistant, dendrite resistant, and/or heat-resistant particles, and (iii) at least one component selected from the group consisting of a cross-linker, a shutdown agent, a low-temperature shutdown agent, a high temperature shutdown agent, an adhesion agent, an X-Ray detectable element, a friction- reducing agent, and/or a thickener; new and/or improved separators as described herein may have or exhibit one or more of the following characteristics or improvements: (1) desirable level of porosity as observed by SEMs and as measured; (2) desirable Gurley numbers to show permeability; (3) desirable thickness; (4) a desired level of coalescing of the polymeric binder such that the coating is improved relative to known coatings; (4) desirable properties due to processing of the coated separator, including, but not limited to, how the coating is mixed, how the coating is applied to the substrate, how the coating is dried on the substrate, if another coating or material is applied over the coating (for example, a sticky (at least when wet with electrolyte) or adhesive coating, stripes or spots are added), and/or if the coating is (coatings, or layers are) compressed or calendered; (5) improved thermal stability as shown, for example, by desirable behavior in hot tip hole propagation studies; (6) reduced shrinkage when used in a lithium battery, such as a lithium ion battery; (7) improved adhesion between the heat-resistant particles in the coating; (8) improved adhesion between the coating and the substrate; (9) improved adhesion between the coated separator and one or both electrodes of a battery; (10) improved pin removal force and/or coefficient of friction (for example, reduced pin removal force and/or reduced coefficient of friction as compared to uncoated substrate or to typical coated materials); (11) improved wettability or wicking of electrolyte; and/or (12) improved oxidation resistance and/or high voltage performance; a separator may be coated on one side (OSC), on two sides (TSC), have a ceramic coating (CCS) on one side (OSC CCS), have a ceramic coating (CCS) on both sides (TSC CCS), have a ceramic coating (CCS) on one side (OSC CCS) and have a polymer or sticky coating (PCS) on the other side (OSC CCS/OSC PCS), have a ceramic coating (CCS) on both sides (TSC CCS) and have a polymer or sticky coating (PCS) on top of one side CCS (TSC CCS/ OSC PCS), have a ceramic coating (CCS) on both sides (TSC CCS) and have a polymer or sticky coating (PCS) on top of each of the CCS (TSC CCS/TSC PCS), have CCS on top of a physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) on at least one side (OSC VAD/OSC CCS), have CCS on top of a physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CYD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) on both sides (TSC VAD/TSC CCS), have PCS on top of a physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) on at least one side at least one side (OSC VAD/OSC PCS), have PCS on top of a physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) on both sides (TSC

VAD/TSC PCS), have PCS on top of a physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) on one side and have CCS on top of a physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the other side (TSC VAD/OSC PCS/OSC CCS), have PCS on top of the CCS, have CCS on top of the PCS, have the VAD on top of the CCS, have the VAD on top of the PCS, and/or the like; a VAD can be organic and/or inorganic; the CCS particles can be organic and/or inorganic, for example, an X-Ray detectable particle or agent can be mixed with PE particles or beads; and/or the like as shown, described and/or claimed herein.