Pd nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated into hollow carbon spheres (Pd@HCS) have been prepared by a feasible template method. The present method is facile, efficient and suitable for large-scale production. The as-prepared Pd NPs are not only uniformly confined into the hollow carbon spheres, but also partly embedded in the inner surface of the carbon shell, which could effectively prevent Pd NPs from aggregation or leaching during the reaction. The obtained Pd@HCS nanocomposite exhibits robust catalytic performance in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, comparing with that of commercial carbon nanotube supported Pd NPs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.