A self-support hydrogen-permeable thin film of palladium (congruent to 1 mu m thickness) was prepared by a low cost and easy-handling technique. The surface morphology of both sides of the film was characterized by SEM and AFM. Despite the surfaces present distinct morphologies, both exhibit a compact layer of nano-sized Pd particles. Electrochemical characterization of both surfaces, performed in acidic medium, allowed evaluating the roughness of both surfaces and their ability to adsorb/absorb hydrogen. The high surface area of this material allied to its low thickness, makes this material a good candidate to be used as an anode or as an anode/membrane on fuel cell devices. (c) 2007 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.