The catalytic activity of 0.6 wt.% Pd catalysts supported on binary Al2O3-La2O3 oxides prepared by sol-gel was studied in the reaction of methane oxidation. The catalysts were characterized by N-2 physisorption, XRD, UV-Vis and TPO techniques. Lanthanum in Pd/Al-La catalysts promoted the oxidation of methane at lower temperatures. Highest BET specific surface area and methane conversion were obtained for La2O3 concentration of 6 wt.%. It was found the presence of the La2O3 center dot xPdO phase in the Pd/Al-La catalysts. La2O3 center dot xPdO species presumably promoted a higher surface oxygen supply for the reaction resulting in the improvement in the catalytic activity at lower temperatures. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.