The one of the main factors influencing the commercial application of Ti-based alloy in Ni-MH battery fields is the low cycle life. In this paper, the research focus was put upon the optimum of the A-side composition and the effect on the electrode cycle life. For this purpose, the comparison of non-stoichiometric and stoichiometric alloys was carried out in term of electrochemical properties, segregation of alloy components, through changing the A-side composition for AB(2) hydrogen storage alloy. Ratio of Ti vs. Zr influences the segregation behavior of the components. Higher Ti-content could promote the segregation process. For high Ti-content alloy, after cycles the surface is covered entirely by the oxides of Ti and Zr, especially Ti. (C) 2006 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.