IMPROVED COATED SEPARATORS FOR LITHIUM BATTERIES AND RELATED METHODS

In accordance with at least selected embodiments, new or improved ceramic coated separators, membranes, films, or the like for use in lithium batteries, new or improved batteries including such ceramic coated separators, membranes, films, or the like, and methods of making or using such ceramic coated separators, membranes, films or the like are disclosed. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, new or improved aqueous or water-based polymeric coated separators, membranes, films, or the like are disclosed. In accordance with at least particular embodiments, new or improved aqueous or water-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) homopolymer or co-polymers of PVDF with hexafluoropropylene (HFP or [-CF(CF3)-CF2-]), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), vinylidene fluoride (VF2-HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), and/or the like, blends and/or mixtures thereof, coated separators, membranes, films or the like, new or improved porous separators for use in lithium batteries, new or improved coating or application methods for applying a coating or ceramic coating to a separator for use in a lithium battery, new or improved PVDF or PVDF:HFP films or membranes, and/or the like are disclosed.