Electrochemical loading/release of hydrogen into a thin-film yttrium (Y) electrode (200 nm) capped with a Pd protective layer (20 nm) is reported and compared with the behavior of the same electrode after removal of the protection. The system is of interest for the development of rare-earth based optical switchable devices. The stripping procedure was done on the previously cycled electrode when the uppermost protective Pd layer had been detached from the yttrium film. The Pd detachment as shown by scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis of the different areas of the surface made it evident that a Pd remnant was still present on the electrode (5-7 nm). The electrochemical behavior of such a stripped Y electrode was stable but different from the former protected one and optical switching was observable as well. We discuss the role of the surface protection in optical devices based on hydrides, materials and morphology, and oxidation of the active metal (yttrium in our case) after the protection failure. It is proposed to use the Pd-containing alloys developed for hydrogen permeation systems in the form of surface patches/gates for hydrogen uptake into the active material and oxidize the rest of the surface to prevent it from further alteration. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.