The rare metal La and Zn codoped α-nickel hydroxide was prepared by the urea precipitation method.The microstructure and composition of the sample were characterized by XRD

EDS

IR and TG-DSC.The electrochemical properties were also investigated when the sample codoped with La and Zn was made as the nickel electrode active material

and the MH-Ni battery was assembled.The results showed that the sample had a relatively larger interlayer distance and contained many structurally bonded water molecules

and the electrochemical reaction impedance was reduced.At 0.1 C charge-discharge rate

the discharge specific capacity reached 372.85 mAh·g-1 when the end potential was 1.0 V

simultaneously its discharge mediate potential was higher and maintained at 1.30 V.In addition

the discharge specific capacity of the sample could reach 344.07 mAh·g-1 at 1 C rate

and the capacity still remained 93.04% of the sample after 30 cycles.It demonstrated better high-rate discharge performance

and increased cycling and structural stability.