Alkali rechargeable batteries and process for the production of said rechargeable batteries

A rechargeable battery comprising at least an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte comprising a hydroxide of an alkali metal or an aqueous solution containing said hydroxide, said anode principally comprising a magnesium-nickel alloy capable of storing hydrogen therein and releasing said hydrogen stored therein in an electrochemical reaction, wherein said magnesium-nickel alloy constituting said anode has a surface having a coat layer provided thereon, and said coat layer comprises an insulating material selected from the group consisting of a hydrous oxide, a hydroxide, and an ionomer-containing polymer which is not dissolved in said electrolyte solution, which restrains a reaction which forms a magnesium hydroxide when said magnesium-nickel alloy contacts with said electrolyte solution, and which allows hydrogen or hydrogen ion to pass therethrough.