Barium ferrate material was coated with nanoparticulate thin films of SiO2 and TiO2 using sol–gel techniques, and was evaluated for use in both zinc-alkaline and lithium non-aqueous batteries. Iron(VI) content was monitored for ferrate materials stored under dry conditions and wetted with KOH and LiPF6 electrolytes. Coated barium ferrate demonstrated improved stability relative to uncoated BaFeO4. SiO2 coated materials do not appear to be useful for either zinc alkaline or lithium non-aqueous systems at this time. TiO2 coated materials demonstrated poor shelf life in alkaline electrolyte, but provided somewhat more favorable results in the lithium cells.