Aqueous zinc (Zn)-based energy storage devices possess promising applications for large-scale energy storage systems due to the advantage of high safety, low price, and environment-friendliness. However, their development is restricted by dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution issues from the Zn-metal anode. Herein, a facile stress-pressing method is reported for constructing a grid zinc anode (GZn) with a conductive framework. The highly conductive copper (Cu)-mesh framework reduces electrode hydrogen evolution and increases electrode conductivity. Meanwhile, the in situ-formed Cu-Zn nano-alloy stabilizes the Zn deposition interface. As a result, the GZn symmetrical cell presents a low overpotential of 49 mV after cycling for 1,200 h (0.2 mA∙cm⁻²). In addition, GZn displays its potential application as a universal anode for Zn-ion capacitors and batteries. An activated carbon||GZn Zn-ion capacitor delivers a stable cycling performance after 10,000 cycles at 5 A∙g⁻¹ and MnO₂||GZn Zn-ion batteries exhibit satisfactory cycle stability and excellent rate performance. This demonstrates that GZn appears to be a promising universal anode for Zn-ion capacitors and batteries.

Lithium metal anode is the most ideal candidate for next-generation energy storage system. However, the uncontrolled dendrite growth, infinite volume expansion, and undesired side reactions lead to serious safety issues and hinder their potential application. Herein, a pre-lithiation strategy is proposed to construct a high-lithiophilic Cu-Li₂O matrix on commercial Cu foil. The in situ-generated Li₂O promises adequate nucleation sites and strengthens solid electrolyte interphase and lateral lithium deposition. Meanwhile, the existence of 3D matrix reduces the local current density. The synergy effect of Li₂O and Cu suppresses the growth of lithium dendrites. As a result, Cu-Li₂O matrix reveals an enhanced lithium plating/stripping behavior with Coulombic efficiency of 98.46% after 270 cycles. The symmetrical cell assembled by Li-plated electrodes displays a prolonged lifespan of 1400 h. The work demonstrates a scalable and effective approach for modified current collectors toward stable Li metal anode.