The electrochemical performance of LaNi5-xSnx alloys with x = 0, 0.06, 0.12, 0.20, 0.30, 0.36, 0.42, and 0.48 have been investigated by battery testing instruments in alkaline electrolyte. Most of the Sn substituted alloys were found to possess an exceptional electrochemical performance. For a tin content of x = 0.42, the electrochemical performance of these alloys is best, even under a large charge-discharge current. It is also found that the electrochemical influence of Sn on LaNi5 alloys is not linear and that the existence of the second phase LaNi4Sn2 harms the improvement of the electrochemical properties of LaNi5-xSnx alloys. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.