In this report, a simple and rapid method was developed for the large-scaled synthesis of well-defined Pd nanochains based on one-pot wet-chemical reduction of PdCl2 with KBH4, with the assistance of octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (OP-10) as a growth directing agent. The concentration of OP-10, the strength of a reducing agent and its amount, and the reaction temperature were demonstrated essential for preparation of the Pd nanocrystals. Furthermore, the as-prepared Pd nanochains exhibited a higher electrochemically active surface area and the enhanced electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation in acid media, compared with the Pd nanoparticles. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.