The effects and action mechanism of additives on the active material utilization,discharge potential cyclic life and properties over a wide temperature range of the nickel electrode were reviewed. The preparation,stability mechanism and physical and chemical properties of α-Ni(OH)2 and the feasibility of α-Ni (OH)2/γ-NiOOH as the acitve material of the nickel electrode were summarized. Finally the addition modes of additives were briefly introduced.