An electrode material for use in an electrochemical cell, like a lithium-ion battery, is provided. The electrode material may be a negative electrode comprising graphite, silicon, silicon-alloys, or tin-alloys, for example. By avoiding deposition of transition metals, the battery substantially avoids charge capacity fade during operation. The surface coating is particularly useful with negative electrodes to minimize or prevent deposition of transition metals thereon in the electrochemical cell. The coating has a thickness of less than or equal to about 40 nm. Methods for making such materials and using such coatings to minimize transition metal deposition in electrochemical cells are likewise provided.