Electrodes, batteries, methods for use and manufacturing are implemented to provide ion-based electrical power sources and related devices. Consistent with one such method, a battery electrode is produced having nanowires of a first material. The electrode is produced using a single growth condition to promote growth of crystalline nanowires on a conductive substrate and of the first material, and promote, by maintaining the growth condition, growth of an amorphous portion that surrounds the crystalline nanowires.