A cell for use in an electrochemical cell, that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a separator in the form of a zeolite-based material comprising one or more naturally occurring or synthetically synthesized zeolites applied directly to at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode configured so that non-reactive metal ions are reversibly extracted there from and inserted therein. The negative electrode configured to reversibly accept and release the non-reactive metal ions. The electrolyte positioned between and in contact with the negative electrode and the positive electrode, such that the electrolyte supports a reversible flow of the non-reactive metal ions between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator being configured to electrically isolate the positive electrode from the negative electrode, while being permeable to the reversible flow of the non-reactive metal ions there through.