Structure and electrochemical characteristics of Ti0.10Zr0.15V0.35Cr0.10Ni0.30 (matrix alloy) - 1 mass% LaNi4Al0.4Mn0.3Co0.3 composite hydrogen storage alloy have been investigated systematically. The main phase of composite alloy is composed of V-based solid solution phase with a BCC structure and C14 Laves phase with hexagonal structure, while secondary phase which has a composition close to Zr (Ti, V, Ni, Cr, Al, Co, La)(1.8) also exists in the composite alloy. The real maximum discharge capacity of the composite alloy electrode is 354.9 mAh g(-1), and distinct synergetic effect appears during composite process. Comparing with the matrix alloy, the thermodynamic performances, electrochemical characteristics, dynamic performances for the composite alloy electrode have been improved. The secondary phase is probably responsible for the improvement of electrochemical characteristics of the matrix alloy. (C) 2009 Professor T. Nejat Veziroglu. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.