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.