Concept of trapping transition metal ions in Li-ion battery inter-electrode space. Materials with nitrogen functionalities trap Mn ions in LMO-graphite cells. 75–125% more capacity retained after 30 days cycling at 55 °C. 92–95% less Mn on graphite negative electrodes in cells with trapping separators. 10 times smaller LMO lattice shrinkage in cells with trapping separators.