Electrochemical cells that cycle lithium ions and methods for suppressing or minimizing deposition of transition metal ions at negative electrodes are provided. The electrochemical cells include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator disposed therebetween, and an electrolyte system including one or more lithium salts, one or more solvents, and at least one additive complexing compound. The at least one additive complexing compound includes an alkyl group having greater than or equal to 4 carbon atoms and less than or equal to 22 carbon atoms and a transition metal ion trapping group. The at least one additive compound associates with a surface of the separator via van der Waal's interactive forces and is further capable of complexing with transition metal ion within the electrochemical cell to sequester or tether the ions generated by contaminants to minimize or suppress the deposition of transition metal cations on the negative electrode.