The goal of this study was the synthesis of submicron composite and coated particles of palladium with CaO, MgO, Al2O3, ZnO, SiO2, and TiO2 via spray pyrolysis using aqueous solutions of precursors of the additive compounds and palladium nitrate. The solutions were atomized, the droplets transported to a furnace where they reacted at 1000 degrees C in a flow system of N-2, and the particles were collected on a filter. X-ray diffraction data showed that palladium was the only crystalline phase formed regardless of the type of the additive. Coatings were observed in all cases except Al2O3 and the thickness determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy [similar to 10 nm at 2.5 weight percent (w/o) of the additive compound] was similar for all compounds. Auger electron spectroscopy analysis indicated the coatings were stoichiometric oxides and roughly 10% of the total surface was covered in the case of 2.5 w/o Zn while above 90% was covered for 2.5 w/o Ca. The oxidation compared to pure palladium powders decreased when Ca and Mg were used and increased when Zn, Ti, Si, and Al were used. Thermogravimetric analysis of the oxidation of palladium particles with CaO coatings showed a weight gain of 2.5 to 4%, while 6% was observed for pure palladium powders. The extent of oxidation of CaO-coated powders was independent of the coating thickness.