Supported Pd catalysts were investigated for low temperature oxidation of methane for catalytic combustor. Both, Pd/ZrO2 and Pd/SnO2 demonstrated excellent activity in spite of its low surface area. The activity of Pd/ZrO2 was strongly dependent on the crystal phase of the support materials. ZrO2 with a monoclinic phase enhanced the activity than that with a tetragonal phase. The catalytic activity of Pd/SnO2 was affected by the preparation procedure. Impregnation of Pd on SnO2 using Pd(C5H7OO)(2) aqueous solution was most effective in enhancing the catalytic activity. It is considered that catalytic activity is strongly influenced by the existence of interaction between palladium and support materials. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.