Constructing robust zincophilic–channels on Zn anode for long-life Zn-ion batteries

•We build new zincophilic–channels on a Zn anode, based on carboxylated hollow ceria nanostructures.•The zincophilic–channeled interfaces provide enhanced electrochemical properties and robust mechanical strength to Zn anode.•The designed Zn anode with the zincophilic interfaces presents highly stable Zn plating/stripping cycling stability. Zn-metal anodes are promising candidates for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacity, good electrochemical reversibility, and the natural abundance of zinc. However, dendrite growth and corrosion of Zn anodes during cycling hinder the practical application of ZIBs. In this study, we built robust zincophilic channels based on carboxylated hollow ceria (CHC) nanostructures on a Zn anode. With a robust three-dimensional nanostructure, the zincophilic–channel interfaces on the Zn anode present highly stable Zn plating/stripping cycling stability for up to 2000 h at a high current density of 3 mA cm−2. The resulting CHC@Zn//MnO2 full cell exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance.