A container for use in hydrogen transfer includes structural tubular members and perforations for fluid communication with a central passage covered with a film that is selectively permeable to hydrogen, but not to other gases. The tubular member walls comprise a sturdy material to fix the hydride powder, preventing it from shifting within the container. The hydrogen flow, when being absorbed or desorbed by the metal hydride, will pass through the film both as it is absorbed in the hydride material and also after it is desorbed to pass into the central passage. Simultaneously, the tubular member material, acting as a flexible cover or support for the film, retains contaminant gases within the conduit passage, but permits hydrogen to flow therethrough. Alternatively, a flexible conduit may be interspersed within selected ones of the longitudinal structural members, and hydride material may be packed within the springs, which provide for expansion protection.