Palladium particles having a decahedral or an icosahedra shapes were synthesized at 160degreesC through a convenient solvothermal process in the presence of acetylacetone and ethylene glycol. Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope investigation revealed that these particles were multiply twinned with an average diameter around 1 mum. The role of the solvents played was explored and acetylacetone was found to play a key role in the formation of multiply twinned palladium particles. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.