A comparative study on the hydrogen absorption of thin films at room temperature deposited on non-porous glass substrate and nano-porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template

► The influence of morphological features of thin films on H2 absorption is studied. ► The Pd/Mg/Pd sandwich-like thin film is analyzed. ► The film deposited on porous AAO substrate is stable upon hydrogen absorption. ► The film deposited on non-porous substrate deteriorates upon hydrogen absorption. ► The AAO substrate helps to release stress generated during the hydride formation.