A battery separator containing cellulose and an insoluble inorganic salt of copper ions when placed in a zinc-based battery, minimizes zinc dendrite formation to extend battery cycle life. One kind of well from among the more than three kinds of wells has a surface level higher than other kinds of wells from among the more than three kinds of wells. In the connection layer, a diffusion-preventing layer is formed for preventing a metal component contained in the base layer from diffusing into the solder. Another variation describes creation of a filter mesh from two layers of reduced height barrier materials. A shield is mounted exterior of the first outer surface of the substrate with the shield having an insulative carrier that holds an array of conductive pads arranged in a complementary pattern as the array of elastomeric columns.