Consisting of a positive and negative electrode, conventional batteries undergo a range of static and dynamic processes that originate at the electrode surface. As such, controlling the chemistries that take place at these highly-reactive surfaces is paramount to developing high-performance battery technologies capable of high reliability, extended cycle life, and increased safety metrics. The works proposed herein are targeted at developing unique surface treatments/architectures that will facilitate improved cycle efficiencies for silicon and tin based anodes by mitigating parasitic reactions that occur at the electrode surface throughout normal charge/discharge operation.