Borek: Understand Zinc Carbon Battery Electrolyte Solution

[MotoPayton]

Say for a example in a zinc carbon battery. The anode and cathode are placed in the same ammonium chloride solution as the electrolyte. The zinc outer shell is the anode and is separated from the cathodic Mn02/carbon paste by a thin paper.

My question is on the electrolyte solution. If the electrolyte solutions allow for electrons to flow and travel through it then why do the electrons not take this pathway? Instead current only flows when the positive and negative ends of the battery are connected.

Can someone(borek) help me understand what this electrolyte solution is doing(especially regarding the balance of charge).

It must have something to do with the separator... The separator must be non-conductive yet still be permeable to the electrolyte ions?? I am guessing now...

Thanks

I will be on the computer all day researching batteries so expect a quick follow up question if anyone answers this

 

[MotoPayton]

Ok I found the answer to my question

A separator is a porous membrane placed between
electrodes of opposite polarity, permeable to ionic flow
but preventing electric contact of the electrodes.

Now the question is what is a good separator to use in a zinc air battery.

I found on the internet that polypropylene membranes are used and polysulfonium membrane are ideal.
Is there a way I could obtain these materials from a nearby store? Or do you think my Chemistry professor would have such a thing.

If not what is the best generic separator to use(with a KOH electrolyte)?