Systems, methods, and devices of various aspects include using tin and/or antimony as an additive to an electrolyte and/or electrode in an electrochemical system, such as a battery, having an iron-based anode. In some aspects, the addition of tin and/or antimony may improve cycling of the iron-based anode. Systems, methods, and devices of various aspects include using high hydroxide concentration electrolyte in an electrochemical system, such as a battery. In some aspects, a high hydroxide concentration electrolyte may increase the stored amount of charge stored in the cell (i.e., the capacity of the battery material) and/or decrease the overpotential (i.e., increase the voltage) of the battery.