A method of electroplating (or electrodeposition) carbon to coat anode and cathode active materials used in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) for improving their cycle life. The electroplating of the carbon coating from the carbon source is ultrafast, preferably taking less than 10 seconds. The carbon source can be comprised of an acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, nitromethane, nitroethane or N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. The protective carbon coating may be used also in gas sensors, biological cell sensors, supercapacitors, catalysts for fuel cells and metal air batteries, nano and optoelectronic devices, filtration devices, structural components, and energy storage devices.