Direct atomic layer deposition (ALD) on composite electrodes leads to ultrathin conformal protective coatings without disrupting inter-particle electronic pathways. Al(2)O(3)-coated natural graphite (NG) electrodes obtained by direct ALD on the as-formed electrode show exceptionally durable capacity retention even at an elevated temperature of 50 degrees C. In sharp contrast, ALD on powder results in poorer cycle retention than bare NC.