Reversible hydride phase observed in Pd/C catalysts with EXAFS and XRPD. Irreversible carbide phase observed in Pd/C catalysts with EXAFS and XRPD. EXAFS and XRPD hardly discriminate Pd-hydrate from Pd-carbide. XANES simulations easily discriminate Pd-hydrate from Pd-carbide. The active PdHx (or PdCy) phase can be determined in operando conditions.