NOVELTY - A material comprises a non-graphitic nano-particle capable of storing hydrogen as hydride and/or adsorbed hydrogen. The nano-particle has an average diameter of 2-200 nm.    USE - The material is used in storing hydrogen as a hydride in an on-board vehicle for vehicles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. It is used to store hydrogen after hydrogen generation, during transport, for use with fuel cell systems, and in the presence of an additional gas or vapor. It is also used to separate at least some hydrogen from a gas mixture, to minimize time lags in delivering hydrogen from onboard reformers, as a poison getter, and to store and reduce evaporation rates of a low molecular weight gas, i.e. methane, ethane, propane, or natural gas. (All claimed) The nano-phase hydride can be used in chemical and industrial industries, e.g. production of ammonia, refining petroleum products, production of methanol and other chemicals for food hydrogenation, iron making of steel and glass, and in the electronics industry. Storage and transportation of hydrogen in nano-phase hydrides can be used for battery replacement, and in fuel cells for portable power products (e.g. laptop computers, mobile phones, or other portable appliances) and portable fuel cell demonstration systems for marketing or educational purposes.    ADVANTAGE - Improves performance, storage, cost, and range of possible materials of hydride storage. It improves hydrogen absorption and desorption rates, as well as temperature and pressure relationships. Faster absorption rates decrease hydrogen loading/charging times, and lag times. This is important for automobile acceleration and for the lag times characteristic for hydrogen reformers. The invention provides a more economic transportation and distribution of remotely generated hydrogen. It eliminates the need for electrical transmission systems in developing countries by converting electricity to hydrogen at the point of generation and storing and transporting the hydrogen using the material by trucks, trains, or other existing infrastructure.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (a) a hydrogen storage material comprising the above material, and a second material with all of its dimension of greater than 200 nm;    (b) a hybrid hydrogen storage system comprising a hydrogen storage system using the above material in a first container, and a slower and cheaper hydrogen storage system in a second container; and    (c) a power system using the hydrogen stored in the material and at least one other fuel or additive.    The second material is a hydride-forming material, a hydrogen adsorbing material, a support, and an additive to enhance performance of the hydrogen storage system.