The present disclosure provides an electrochemical cell that cycles lithium ions. The electrochemical cell includes a first electrode including a first electroactive material, a second electrode including a second electroactive material, and a separating layer disposed therebetween. The second electroactive material include a plurality of electroactive material particles, where at least a portion of the electroactive material particles have a surface coating that includes a nitrate salt. The first electroactive material can include a lithium metal, and the electrochemical cell can further include a carbonate-based solvent.