The effect of static magnetic field treatment for synthesis of Mg2Ni0 8Mn0.2 alloys during rapid quenching was investigated in this paper. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results show that the transversal static magnetic field can effectively refine the grain size, producing nanocrystalline inside. This distinct phenomenon is probably attributed to the Lorentz force suppressing the crystallization of the hydrogen storage alloys and the thermoelectric effect. Mainly due to the grain refinement, the discharge capacity of Mg2Ni0.8Mn0.2 alloy is raised from 79 to about 200 mA hg(-1). It is confirmed that Mg2Ni0.8Mn0 2 alloy by magnetic field assisted approach possesses enhanced electrochemical kinetics and relatively high corrosion resistance against the alkaline solution, thus resulting in higher electrochemical properties. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.