An electrode comprises carbon nanoparticles and at least one of metal particles, metal oxide particles, metalloid particles and/or metalloid oxide particles. A surfactant attaches the carbon nanoparticles and the metal particles, metal oxide particles, metalloid particles and/or metalloid oxide particles to form an electrode composition. A binder binds the electrode composition such that it can be formed into a film or membrane. The electrode has a specific capacity of at least 450 mAh/g of active material when cycled at a charge/discharge rate of about 0.1C.