Iron/copper composite particles were synthesized by a chemical reduction method and then used as the anode material for a rechargeable alkaline battery. The particle size and structure of the samples were characterized by SEM and XRD. Their electrochemical performance was also studied. The results showed that the iron/copper composite prepared by this method is nanosized. Copper improves the electron transfer between particles, and the nanosized iron/copper composite not only has a high electrochemical capacity of up to 800 mAh g(-1) (Fe to Fe(III)), but also has an excellent rate-capacity performance at a current density of 3200 mA g(-1). Compared with the iron nanoparticle without copper. the iron/copper composite sample maintains a smaller particle size during electrochemical cycling, and therefore improves the cycling stability of the iron electrode. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.