Hollow Ag/Pd nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by a galvanic displacement reaction, in which a small amount of Pd(NO3)(2) is allowed to react with previously synthesized Ag nanoparticles that act as templates. The resulting hollow Ag/Pd (Ag/Pd-hollow) nanoparticles are found to be icosahedral and decahedral in structure. The kinetics of electroless copper deposition (ECD) catalyzed by these bimetallic (Ag/Pd-hollow) nanoparticles are analyzed using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The results reveal that these Ag/Pd-hollow nanoparticles have better catalytic activities than monometallic Ag and Pd nanoparticles. Furthermore, the catalytic activities of these hollow nanoparticles in the ECD bath can be controlled by tuning their alloy ratios in a suitable manner. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.