A method of authenticating an object in which a computer system receives indicating data from a sensing device. A storage code is provided to the storage unit, and the storage unit responds by permitting access to a particular compartment while preventing access to other compartments. Novel metal hydrogen purification membranes include vanadium alloyed with at least 1 to 20 atomic percent nickel andor 1 to 20 atomic percent cobalt andor 1 to 20 atomic percent palladium. The device is designed to operate securely and operate autonomously or coupled with an external device, for example a management system, or a user.