A tricot knit yttria stabilized zirconia cloth nominally 0.012" thick. The battery separators made from this cloth are typically cut in the shape of a ring. The zirconia chemistry has superior resistance to attack by corrosive electrolytes like KOH. Yttria stabilized Zirconia fiber textiles exhibit ideal electrolyte retention, bubble pressure, wicking rate and ionic conductivity for use as battery separators.