Stabilized alpha-Ni(OH)(2) was used as an active material of pasted positive electrode in Ni/MH battery. Electrochemical properties such as discharge capacity and discharge potential were improved. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicated that alpha-Ni(OH)(2)electrode exhibited a better reversibility of Ni(OH)(2)/NiOOH redox reaction and higher oxygen evolution overpotential than beta-Ni(OH)(2) electrode. This apparently would increase the charge efficiency, improve utilization of active material and minimize concurrent oxygen evolution. (C) 2000 International Association for Hydrogen Energy.