Palladium (Pd) nanoparticles were electrochemically dispersed on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by electroreduction of octahedral Pd(IV) complex formed on the SWNT surface. The structure and nature of the resulting Pd-SWNT composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrocatalytic properties of the Pd/SWNT electrode for hydrazine oxidation have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry; high electrocatalytic activity of the Pd/SWNT electrode can be observed. This may be attributed to the high dispersion of palladium catalysts and the particular properties of SWNT supports. The results imply that the Pd-SWNT composite has good potential applications in fuel cells. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.