The influence of the surface treatment by KBH4 solution, alkaline solution, and alkaline solution containing KBH4 on the surface structure and electrochemical properties of the La0.7Mg0.3Ni2.4Co0.6 is investigated. It shows that all of the treatment methods improve the electrochemical properties of the La0.7Mg0.3Ni2.4Co0.6 hydrogen-storage alloy. in all the methods, the treatment by alkaline solution containing KBH, shows the best overall electrochemical properties in this work. (c) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.