This article reports that triangular Ag/Pd nanoshells are synthesized via the galvanic displacement reaction and further applied as activators for electroless copper deposition. Information as revealed by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, deposition rate catalyzed by the triangular Ag/Pd nanoshells is similar to 0.42 mu g/cm(2) s and exhibit different electrochemical activity in the electroless deposition of copper. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.