A negative electrode for a lithium rechargeable battery is provided. The negative electrode includes a current collector, a thermosetting resin layer disposed on the current collector, and a negative active material layer disposed on the thermosetting resin layer. Metal ions in the current collector are diffused into the thermosetting resin layer, creating a concentration gradient of metal ions in the thermosetting resin layer. The metal ions diffused into the thermosetting resin layer react with the thermosetting resin to form metal compounds.