In this work, we demonstrated a completely new, simple and effective strategy for preparing catalysts by using beta-MnO2 nanotubes as the supporting materials, and the Pd nanoparticles were coated onto beta-MnO2 nanotubes through a simple reductive process firstly. The as-prepared materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical measurements. The results indicated that the Pd nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed and well separated from one another on the beta-MnO2 nanotubes surfaces, which makes it have a potential application in catalysts. In this study, we mainly tested the electrochemical performance of Pd/beta-MnO2 for methanol oxidation in alkaline solution. Further research to optimize the synthesis condition, particularly to develop beta-MnO2 nanotubes as supporting materials of other noble metal catalysts is currently in progress. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.