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.