Techniques, arrangements and compositions are provided to incorporate nanostructured materials into electrodes for energy storage devices. Materials such as, for example, carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires, silicon carbide nanowires, zinc nanowires, and other materials may be used to modify electrode properties such as electronic conductivity, thermal conductivity, or durability, for example. In some embodiments, nanostructured materials may be added to electrode formulations such as, for example, slurries or powders. Nanostructured materials may be deposited directly onto active material particles or electrode components. In some embodiments, coatings may be used to assist in deposition.