A method for forming an atomically smooth surface on a copper electrode through electropolishing and the atomically smooth surface are provided. An exemplary method for forming an atomically smooth surface by electropolishing includes placing a copper foil in an electrolyte solution including ethylene glycol and phosphoric acid. The copper foil is coupled to a current source. Current is applied to the copper foil to electropolish the copper foil. The electropolishing is stopped when the electropolishing is completed.