Methods and systems are provided for Z-pinch plasma and other plasma confinement utilizing various electrode compositions and configurations. In one example, a plasma confinement system includes a plurality of electrodes, each electrode of the plurality of electrodes arranged coaxially with respect to an assembly region of the plasma confinement system and positioned so as to be exposed to the assembly region, wherein one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes includes an electrode material which releases hydrogen gas above a threshold temperature. In an additional or alternative example, a plasma confinement system includes an electrode body including a nosecone, and a liquid metal, a portion of the liquid metal forming a protective film between a surface of the nosecone and an exterior of the nosecone during operation of the plasma confinement system.