Abstract: The present invention relates to the reaction of hydrogen gas with alloys having body-centered cubic phase structure at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C. which comprise titanium and a second metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, rhenium, manganese, and iron, and further comprising when the second metal is zirconium or rhenium, at least about 1 atom percent of a third metal selected from the group of aluminum, cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, silicon, germanium, gallium and mixtures thereof. The alloys of this invention react with hydrogen at a reaction rate much faster than prior art materials.

Abstract: A process using hydrogen dissolving metals, alloys and intermetallic compounds to drive otherwise thermodynamically unfavorable dehydrogenation reactions is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of selecting an organic reactant comprising carbon and hydrogen, and exposing the organic reactant to a material at a temperature and pressure sufficient to remove at least one hydrogen from one said organic reactant and to form a material hydride, the material being selected from the group of metals, alloys and intermetallic compounds having a negative standard free energy of formation for a hydrided product MH.sub.y, where M is the material, H is hydrogen and y is a non-zero number between 0 and about 4 and represents the total hydrogen to material atom ratio wherein the standard free energy change for the reaction of the organic rectant in the present of the material to remove at least one hydrogen atom therefrom and from the material hydride is negative.

Abstract: Solid solutions of titanium, a second metal such as niobium, vanadium, and molybdenum and a third metal such as cobalt, germanium, or iron, wherein the second metal is niobium or vanadium and optionally when the second metal is molybdenum, react rapidly at room temperature obviating the need for a high temperature induction period. Solid solutions having formula (Ti.sub.1-x Nb.sub.x).sub.1-y M.sub.y wherein 0.25.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.95 and wherein y varies from at least about 0.01 to the solubility limit of M such as cobalt, germanium, or iron in said solution, are also disclosed. Hydrides of solid solution alloys of Ti/Mo/M, Ti/Nb/M and Ti/V/M are also disclosed.

Abstract: Solid solution of niobium or tantalum and a second metal react rapidly with hydrogen under mild conditions, eliminating the need for a high temperature induction process. Suitable second metals include Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Cu, V, Si, Ge and Ga.