The disclosure relates more specifically to protected anodes for batteries, and to methods for making such anodes. One aspect of the disclosure is a method for preparing a protected anode, the method including providing an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode comprising at least one transition metal dichalcogenide, an anode comprising a metal, an electrolyte in contact with the transition metal dichalcogenide of the cathode and the metal of the anode, and carbon dioxide dissolved in the electrolyte; and performing a discharge- charge cycle comprising discharging the electrochemical cell, and applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode for a time sufficient to charge the electrochemical cell; wherein the electrochemical cell is substantially free of water; and wherein one or more chemical species formed in the discharge-charge cycle and dissolved in the electrolyte are deposited onto the anode.