In this paper, a theoretical study of the nickel -doped of aluminum surface was carried in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) using the generalized gradient approximation GGA-PBE. The electronic structure of interface Al(111) surface and nickel atoms was investigated. Using the method of NEB, the diffusion barrier of the nickel atom from the surface into the subsurface layer was calculated. It values shows that the nickel atom is preferable to replace aluminum atom in the subsurface layer, which subsequently leads to the formation of intermetallic Al3Ni. This phase has been investigated the possibility of hydrogen sorption. The results showed that the hydrogen is not typical contained in this phase under normal conditions. Thus, the improvement of hydrogen sorption parameters on aluminum doped with nickel is only possible in case the formation of transition metal clusters on the Al surface.