A method of forming an electrode includes casting a molten metal in a mold to form an electrode with a header portion and a blade portion. The blade portion of the electrode is then rolled after it has been cast. The blade portion may be rolled into at least two different thicknesses. In one embodiment the metal is lead or lead alloy and the method relates to the forming of a lead or lead alloy anode.

A structure includes an Sn layer or an Sn alloy layer formed above a substrate, and an under barrier metal formed between the substrate and the Sn layer or Sn alloy layer. The under barrier metal is an Ni alloy layer containing Ni, and at least one selected from W, Ir, Pt, Au, and Bi, and can sufficiently inhibit generation of an intermetallic compound through a reaction, caused due to metal diffusion of a metal contained in the substrate, between the metal and Sn contained in the Sn layer or Sn alloy layer.