Porous anodic alumina discs supporting palladium films as elements of hydrogen-purifying membranes have been examined for their high-temperature behaviour. The method employed to fabricate the porous alumina support is the so-called 'hard anodising' technique, which offers substantially higher growth rates while producing mechanically robust films. These alumina membranes were found to possess a thermal stability better than commercial Anopore(R) membranes. Upon long-term exposure at 800 degrees C they transform into gamma-alumma without major deformation. Ultra-thin palladium films deposited across the alumina pores by physical vapour deposition are continuous and stable in reducing atmospheres to at least 700 degrees C but are oxidised and destroyed by heating in air. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.