A lightweight and inexpensive stainless steel mesh has been investigated as an electrode substrate material for Li/polypyrrole rechargeable battery. The effects of substrate materials on surface morphology of films, charge-discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency are discussed in detail. The results show that the capacity of the cell with stainless steel mesh is about 10% lower than the cell using platinum mesh, but it is much lighter and cheaper than that of platinum mesh, therefore, it is a promising substrate material for Li/polymer batteries. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.