An anti-pyrophoric hydrogen storage material having an engineered surface oxide to enhance initial activation and a method for making the same. The method for making. the hydrogen storage material includes the steps of providing a hydrogen storage powder and oxidizing the powder with a controlled oxidation reaction. In a preferred aspect hereof, the method includes providing a bulk hydrogen storage alloy; hydriding the alloy to form a comminuted material; and oxidizing the surface of the comminuted material with a controlled oxidation reaction. In another preferred aspect hereof, a passivating material is added to the comminuted material prior to the step for oxidizing to enhance initial activation. In still another preferred aspect hereof, at least one sacrificial modifier is provided in the particalized material to enhance initial activation.