In one embodiment, a positive electrode is formed by a process that includes forming a slurry including particles dispersed within a liquid from a electrode formulation and the liquid such that the particles have a particle size distribution D50 of 15 microns or less, coating the slurry on a collector; and drying the coated collector to form the positive electrode. The electrode formulation includes an electrode active material, a conductive carbon source, an organic polymeric binder, and a water-soluble polymer. The liquid consists essentially of water or a mixture of water and an alcohol. When the liquid consists essentially of the mixture, the alcohol is present in an amount of less than 10% by weight, based on the weight of the slurry. When the liquid consists essentially of water, the slurry is formed from the electrode formulation, the liquid, and an arene-capped polyoxoethylene surfactant.