Abstract: Disclosed are new Ca, Mg and Ni-containing alloys of the general formula: (CacMgdMe)b(Ni1-zTz)a where: M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Y, Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Th, Nd, Ti, V, Zr, Ta, Hf, Sr, Ba and Misch metals; T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Zn, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, W, Si, Ga, Ge, In, Sn, Ag, C and B; a is an integer equal to 2 or 5; z is a number ranging from 0 to 0.5; and when a is equal to 2, then 0.9?b?1.1; and when a is equal to 5, then either 1.75?b?2.25 or 0.75?b?1.31. These alloys which are of the AB2, A2B5 or AB5 types, may be single phase or multiphase and are useful for reversibly absorbing hydrogen from a gas phase. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the above alloys.

Abstract: A container configured for containing at least metallic particles, the metallic particles capable of absorbing hydrogen such that the metallic particles expand upon the absorption of hydrogen, the container including an inner surface, comprising: a liner disposed within the container such that a void space is provided between the liner and the inner surface, wherein the liner engages the inner surface to substantially prevent ingress of metallic particles, when the metallic particles are contained in the container, into the void space.

Abstract: New alloys of the AB5 type are disclosed which are of the formula: