A composite of bismuth and carboxymethyl cellulose (Bi@CMC) was successfully prepared and used as an additive in rechargeable Zn-Ni battery. The Bi@CMC composite combines the characters of electric conduction, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) suppression and hydrophilicity, since hydrophilic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) fibers are coated by high-HER overpotential Bi particles. A Zn-Ni battery using an anode containing Bi@CMC demonstrated a higher coulombic efficiency and discharge capacity than pristine CMC. In addition, the rationality of the method which utilized the KOH/Zn(OH)(4)(2-) electrolyte to alkaline rechargeable zinc-based batteries is discussed. (C) 2018 The Electrochemical Society.