Abstract: A metal hydride negative electrode plate for use in an alkaline electrochemical cell is disclosed including a conductive substrate carrier, a layer of electrochemically active hydrogen storage alloy material capable of reversibly storing hydrogen attached to the carrier, and the presence of a layer of carbon particles affixed to the outer surface of the active material layer. The carbon particle layer is present as a uniform distribution on the surface of the active material layer and prevents substantial oxidation of the active hydrogen storage alloy material during charge and overcharge of an alkaline cell incorporating the carbon coated metal hydride negative electrode of the invention.