Various embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell having a non-homogeneous anode. The electrochemical cell includes a container, a cathode forming a hollow cylinder within the container, an anode positioned within the hollow cylinder of the cathode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode. The anode defines a characteristic gradient between an interior portion of the anode and the outermost surface of the anode adjacent the separator. The characteristic gradient may be defined as, for example, an average active material particle size within the anode that changes as a function of the radial location within the anode or a surfactant concentration gradient that changes as a function of the radial location within the anode.