Pure Al2O3 and Ca, La, or Ce-modifled Al2O3-supported 1% Pd catalysts were studied in a complete oxidn. of CH4. The supports were prepd. by the sol-gel method to have X/ (X+Al) = 0.03 (X = La, Ce) or 0.333 (X = Ca) and impregnated with aq. Pd nitrate. The Ca, La, or Ce oxide added to alumina suppressed the activity of the Pd catalysts. The pure Al2O3-supported catalysts were highly active. CH4 was completely oxidized to CO2 at temps. precluding formation of NOx.