• A porous 3D structure on Zn surface via electrostripping activation suppresses non-uniform Zn2+ deposition and dendrite growth.
• A functional CeO4H4/Ce(OH)3 passivation layer prevents electrochemical corrosion and enhances electrolyte infiltration.
• The symmetric cell achieves over 1500 h lifespan at 5 mA/cm2 and over 300 h at 20 mA/cm2.
• The R-Zn@CeǁMnO2 full cell delivers a capacity of 205.3 mA·h/g after 300 cycles at 0.3 A/g.