Stable metal anodes and batteries utilizing the same

Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising: an active anode metal electrochemically deposited on a host material functionalized with one or more electrochemically active groups, wherein the active anode metal comprises an electrochemically active surface; b) an electrolyte; and c) a solid electrolyte interphase layer disposed on the electrochemically active surface of the active anode metal and comprising a first metal salt, wherein the first metal salt is a first reaction product of an electrochemical decomposition of at least a portion of one or more electrochemically active groups; wherein a metal cation in the first metal salt and the active anode metal comprise the same metal; and wherein the electrochemical cell is substantially stable for 200-600 plating/stripping cycles at a temperature from about −60° C. to about 45° C.