sorry i have some late threads but Storms idea about NiO inclusions inside Pd lattice is very good.
Why ? Ni bulk has a very tight FCC lattice, the fact that it's oxidized gives it a BCC lattice.
BTW nickel could be effectively loaded by H/D.
At low temperatures ( 300°) i suggest that oxygen trapped won't be reduced by H/D..,?
Japanese powder only works if there are a few Pd atoms on the surface of the Ni particle according to their reports.
You should know that we play in catalyst technology by doping too.
By playing with electronegativity gap, we induce a selectivity in the catalyst.
Pd on nickel thus will create electrons holes , probably interesting for lattice loading.