A new class of materials and new treatment method are proposed to improve the electrocatalytic activity of the AB 2 -type alloys without making use of highly electrocatalytic precious metals such as Pd or Pt. The effects of La on the AB 2 hydriding compounds Zr 0.5 Ti 0.5 V 0.75 Ni 1.5 were investigated in terms of alloy microstructure, initial activation, kinetics, hydrogen capacity and F treatment effect. Various analytical techniques such as electron probe micro analysis, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are employed to characterize the alloy structure and surface. It was found that La addition of the ZrTiVNi alloys benefit electrode kinetics, and F-treated alloys exhibit easy activation. La is not soluble in the AB 2 phase but rather forms discrete La-rich inhomogeneous sites in the microstructure. These sites remain on the surfaces of crushed powder particles and serve as H-transparent windows through the less transparent AB 2 oxide layer, providing for the fast electrochemical hydrogen reaction. An Ni-rich layer with microcave structure appeared on the F-treated alloy surface and is of benefit to alloy activation. After F treatment the LaNi phase on the La added alloy surface disproportioned into LaF 3 and Ni clusters. The Ni clusters in loose LaF 3 layer catalyze the electrochemical reaction and accelerate alloy activation.