Multifunctional anchoring effect enables ultra-stable 3D-printed zinc powder-based anode

Zinc powder-based anodes encounter significant challenges, including severe side-reactions and non-uniform Zn plating-stripping processes. These issues lead to poor reversibility and low zinc utilization, which substantially impede their practical applications. Herein, we fabricated a multifunctional carbonyl-containing zinc metharcylate (ZMA) layer on the surface of three-dimensional (3D) zinc powder anode through in-situ modification. The ZMA layer with high electronegativity and highly nucleophilic carbonyl group assists the de-solvation process, which is conducive to the Zn²⁺ transport and homogenization of the ionic flux. In addition, the hydrophobic carbon chains in ZMA work as a protective layer to reduce the Zn powder direct contact with free-water and significantly improving side-reactions resistance. Finally, through the synergistic effect of ZMA and 3D Zn structure, the prepared electrode could cycle stably at 20 mA cm⁻²/20 mAh cm⁻² for 1153 h (depth of discharge: 38.10%). The stable 3D Zn-MnO₂ battery with a high capacity retention (84.2% over 500 cycles) is also demonstrated.