LaNi 3.94 Si 0.54 film cathodes are prepared by ion beam sputtering on iron substrates. The electrocatalytic behaviours of the film cathodes are investigated in 30wt % KOH at 70 °C. The results show that the amorphous film cathode has good catalytic activity for HER and excellent resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The ion beam sputtering has the potential for surface modification on a cathode substrate.