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In the present study, Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 Co 1− x Fe x ( x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) alloys were prepared by arc melting method. The effect of Fe substitution on microstructure and hydrogen storage properties was studied systematically. The phase structure and hydrogen storage properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron Probe Micro-analysis (EMPA) and Sievert's type volumetric apparatus. XRD and EPMA analysis show that Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 Co alloy forms cubic phase ZrCo and traces of ZrCo 2 , while the alloys of composition with x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 form cubic phase ZrCo with the secondary Laves phases Zr(Co,Fe) 2 and Zr 2 Co. The cell volumes and content of the secondary phase increase gradually as the content of Fe substitution increases. The hydrogen storage experiment shows that Fe substitution for Co ameliorates initial hydriding kinetic property and shortens the incubation duration of the Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 Co 1− x Fe x ( x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) alloys, compared with Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 Co alloy. The improved kinetic property is due to the catalyst effect of the secondary phase, which makes it favorable for the application in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]