In this study, we made a novel alternative cathode material of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) using electroless deposition of Co on the surface of the Ni powder. Using this manufacturing method, we expect that economical and large-scale cathode can be made easily. The cathode prepared by this method formed LiCo1-yNiyO2 phase in molten (Li0.62K0.38)(2)CO3 at 650 degreesC under CO2:O-2 = 66.7:33.3% atmosphere, its solubility is 40% lower than that of NiO cathode. In the unit cell test, the performance of the cell composed of Co-coated Ni cathode was same as that of the cell composed of NiO cathode. Thus the cathode made by Co-coated Ni powder used as an alternative cathode can maintain the advantages of NiO cathode and lengthen the lifetime of MCFC. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.