The composite LaNix/Ni-S-Co film with considerable stability and high HER activity (eta(150) = 70 mV, 353 K) was obtained by molten salt electrolysis combined with aquatic electrodeposition. LaNix film was prepared by galvanostatic electrolysis at 100 mA cm(-2) under 1273 K. The results showed that the La3+ ions could be reduced on the nickel cathode and the LaNix film could form, i.e. La3+ + 3e + xNi = LaNix (x = 5 or 3) at ca. -0.6 V, which is much lower than that of the decomposition potential of lanthanum, due to the strong depolarization effect of nickel. Furthermore, compared with the traditional amorphous Ni-S film, the composite LaNix/Ni-S-Co film could absorb large amount of H atoms, which would be oxidized and avoid the dissolution of the Ni-S-Co film under the state of opencircuit effectively and increase the HER activity. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.