Disclosed are preformed solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film graphite electrodes in lithium-sulfur based chemistry energy storage systems and methods of making the preformed SEI films on graphite electrodes to expand the use of graphite-based electrodes in previously non-graphite anode energy systems, such as lithium-sulfur battery systems. Also disclosed are lithium-ion sulfur battery systems comprising electrolytes that do not include an alkyl carbonate, such as those that do not include EC, and graphite anodes having preformed alkyl carbonate, such as EC-based SEI films.