The nanostructural multiphase nickel hydroxide, which was with doped at least three modifier elements has been synthesized. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph showed that the nanostructural multiphase nickel hydroxide was consisted of nanostructural particles. It has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination that the compound has a mixed structure of alpha-Ni(OH)(2) and beta-Ni(OH)(2). The tap-density of the nanostructural multiphase nickel hydroxide is 1.7-1.9 g/cm(3) and the discharge capacity can reach 375 mAh/g. The electrochemical studies revealed that the compound has much better redox reversibility, a much lower oxidation potential of Ni(II) than the corresponding oxidation state compared with beta-Ni(OH)(2), and a much higher reduction potential. Since it has much higher tap-density and better electrochemical performance than Al-stabilized alpha-Ni(OH)(2) and usual beta-Ni(OH)(2), it may be a promising positive active material for alkaline rechargeable batteries. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.