A composition for use in an electrochemical cell is disclosed wherein the composition includes a clean metal substantially free of impurities and a layer of protective material in contact with the clean metal, wherein the protective material comprises a protective metal component, a multi-component material, a multi-layered component or a combination thereof. Further disclosed is an electrochemical cell including a metal film comprising a clean metal substantially free of impurities. The electrochemical cell may further include an electrolyte and a layer of protective material disposed between the electrolyte and the metal film, wherein the protective material comprises a protective metal component, a multi-component material, a multi-layered component or a combination thereof. A process for manufacturing an electrode is further disclosed including preparing a metal film comprising a clean metal substantially free of impurities and depositing a layer of protective material on to the metal film, wherein the protective material comprises a protective metal component, a multi-component material, a multi-layered component or a combination thereof.