Abstract: Provided are anodes for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode comprises an anode active layer comprising lithium and a polymer anode substrate comprising a polymer film layer and a protective crosslinked polymer layer, in which the protective crosslinked polymer layer is in contact with the anode active layer on the side opposite to the surface in contact with the polymer film layer. The present invention also pertains to methods for forming such anodes and electrochemical cells comprising such anodes.

Abstract: Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.