The system V-O-H has been chosen as a model system to investigate surface effects on hydrogen absorption in metals. By means of XPS, SIMS, and thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TDMS) methods, the influence of oxygen segregated from the bulk as well as adsorbed from the gas phase has been pointed out. Segregated oxygen obstructs the hydrogen absorption, whereas non-stoichiometric and stoichiometric oxides have a preventing effect already with coverages in the range of monolayers. Ion bombardment in connection with sputter-cleaning or SNMS and SIMS analyses produces additional absorption sites in the surface near region for hydrogen. These can be populated by hydrogen from the gas phase during H-2 exposure or diffusing from the bulk, if the sample was H-2 loaded before. Beside elements like vanadium, there exist alloys (e.g. TiFe, LaNi5, TiMn2), which are particularly suitable for practical storage purposes. It is important for the further development of such alloys but also for a better understanding of absorption kinetics to investigate the influence of surface effects also on these alloys.