No the MAX17201 IC cannot be used to fuel gauge NiMH batteries. The MAX17201 uses the ModelGauge algorithms which were designed for Li-ion batteries. The NiMH battery cell charge and discharge characteristics are much different to that of a Li-ion cell and therefore these algorithms will not work for the NiMH cell.
The DS2438 is an example of a Maxim IC which could be used to fuel gauge NiMH cells.
