Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous CeO2 (3DOM CeO2) and its supported Pd@Co (CoxPd/3DOM CeO2, x (Co/Pd molar ratio) = 2.4-13.6) nanocatalysts were prepared using the polymethyl methacrylate-templating and modified polyvinyl alcohol-protected reduction methods, respectively. The Pd@Co particles displayed a core-shell (core: Pd; shell: Co) structure with an average size of 3.5-4.5 nm and were well dispersed on the surface of 3DOM CeO2. The CoRd/3DOM CeO2 samples exhibited high catalytic performance and super stability for methane oxidation, with the Co3.5Pd/3DOM CeO2 sample showing the highest activity (T-90% = 480 C at space velocity of 40,000 mL/(g h) and excellent stability in the temperature range 400-800 degrees C. The apparent activation energies (58-73 kJ/mol) obtained over CoxPd/3DOM CeO2 were much lower than those (104-112 kJ/mol) over Co/3DOM CeO2 and 3DOM CeO2 for methane oxidation, with the Co3.5Pd/3DOM CeO2 sample possessing the lowest apparent activation energy (58 kJ/mol). It is concluded that the excellent catalytic performance of Co3.5Pd/3DOM CeO2 was associated with its good abilities to adsorb oxygen and methane as well as the unique core-shell structure of CoPd nanoparticles. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.