<p>Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage but are severely limited by zinc dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. Inspired by the strong zinc-affinity of flotation collectors, a trace amount of ethyl xanthate was introduced into a ZnSO₄ electrolyte to regulate zinc electrochemistry. Ethyl xanthate molecules significantly alter the solvation structure of Zn²⁺ ions and undergo specific adsorption on the electrode surface. This synergistic regulation markedly reduces the interfacial concentration gradient of Zn²⁺ ions and decreases the population of electrochemically active water molecules at the electrode surface, thereby effectively suppressing zinc dendrite growth and the hydrogen evolution side reaction. Consequently, the Zn//Cu half-cell exhibits stable cycling for 1894&#xa0;h at 3&#xa0;mA cm^− 2, while the Zn//Zn symmetric cell maintains stable cycling for 1337&#xa0;h at 2&#xa0;mA cm^− 2. This work provides a mineral-processing-inspired strategy for stabilizing zinc metal anodes.</p>