A series of supported Pd catalysts were elaborated using hierarchically porous Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 materials, synthesised with and without a non-ionic surfactant. The deposition of Pd nanoparticles was achieved using the wet impregnation method on calcined supports. The catalytic systems were pre-reduced in hydrogen and investigated for their efficiency in the total oxidation of toluene and found to have increased activity in comparison to a series of reference catalysts based on hierarchically porous TiO2 and ZrO2, with minimal benzene formation. Results have shown how activities are dependent on the support material, synthesis conditions and chemical composition. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.