Disclosed is a nanowire composition that includes nanowires comprising aluminum fluoride (AlF.sub.3) (AFNWs). The aluminum fluoride comprises -phase AlF.sub.3. In some implementations, an average diameter of the AFNWs is in a range of 100 to 500 nm, an average length of the AFNWs is in a range of 100 to 1000 m, and an average aspect ratio of the AFNWs is in a range of 1000 to 110.sup.4. An AFNW membrane, an anode-interlayer component comprising AFNWs, and a lithium metal battery incorporating the anode-interlayer component are also disclosed. Related methods of making AFNWs, an AFNW membrane, an anode-interlayer component, and a lithium metal battery are also disclosed.