The composite La-Ni-Al/Ni-S alloy film was obtained by molten salt electrolysis and aquatic electro-deposition in turn. The La-Ni-Al alloy film was prepared in Na(3)AlF(6)-La(2)O(3)-Al(2)O(3) molten salt electrolyte by galvanostatic electrolysis at 100 mA cm(-2). The results showed that La(3+) and Al(3+) ions could be co-reduced on the nickel cathode and form La-Ni-Al film at c.a. -0.5 V. which is much lower than that of the theoretical decomposition potential of lanthanum and aluminum. With high HER activity, the composite La-Ni-Al/Ni-S film (eta(150) = 70 my, 353 K) could absorb large amount of H atoms. Instead of the dissolution of the Ni-S film, the absorbed H atoms would be oxidized under intermittent electrolysis effectively and prolong the lifetime of the cathode. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.