The electrochemically interfacial stability between Ni foam and organic electrolyte is studied under Ar and O-2 atmospheres, respectively. The potential of Ni foam cycled under Ar atmosphere does not reach 3.8V vs. Li/Li+, and is finally stabilized at similar to 3.4V vs. Li/Li+. This phenomenon is the result of the electrolyte's continuous decomposition, which produces a thick layer of particles (0.8-1.2 mu m) covered on Ni foam surface. Ni foam under O-2 atmosphere can be successfully cycled between 2.0 and 4.5 V vs. Li/Li+ although there exist some precipitations on the surface, which originate from the electrolyte decomposition occurring at 4.2V vs. Li/Li+ in the initial charge. For the cycling between 2.0 and 4.0V vs. Li/Li+, Ni foam surface almost keeps intact. Our results reveal that O-2 atmosphere significantly improves the electrochemical stability between Ni foam and electrolyte and thus enables Ni foam to work as current collector in rechargeable lithium-air battery. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.