A novel CeZr2Cr4Ni5-based intermetallic compound was successfully prepared by mechanical alloying from CeNi5 and ZrCr2 precursors. The structural characterization and the electrochemical hydrogenation were performed for the precursors and CeZr2Cr4Ni5-based electrodes. The formation of the CeZr2Cr4Ni5 phase was confirmed by the Rietveld refinements of corresponding X-ray diffraction patterns. The CeZr2Cr4Ni5-based electrodes showed better electrochemical properties than CeNi5 and ZrCr2 compounds. At ambient temperature and pressure, the maximum discharge capacity of CeZr(2)Cr(4)Ni(5-)based electrodes was 210 mAhg(-1) and their capacity retention was 100% after 100 cycles of charge/discharge. The hydrogen diffusion coefficients were estimated by cyclic voltammetry and competitive values were obtained in the range of (0.9-3) 10(-8) cm(2)s(-1). (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.