The (Mg24Ni10Cu2)(100-x)La-x(x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20) alloys were prepared adopting the method of melt spinning technology. Adding La brings on the formation of secondary phases of La2Mg17 and LaMg3, while it does not change the major phase of Mg2Ni. Originally, there already have nanocrystals and amorphous structures in the experimental alloys, and the addition of La is more conducive to the formation of glass. With adding La in as-spun alloys, the gaseous hydrogen absorption capacity was significantly reduced, but it markedly improved their hydriding rates. Adding La and melt spinning considerably enhanced the dehydriding rate, the reason for which is the decrease of activation energy incurred by adding La and melt spinning. In addition, the discharge capacity of the alloys were able to reach a maximum value during La content varying, and it obviously increased with spinning rate rising. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.