We report the synthesis of highly catalytic spherical carbon composite particles with Au-Pd bimetallic nanoparticle doping using a microwave-assisted technique that allows control over the location of the nanoparticles (NPs), putting them into stable interior, but still near-surface locations (within a 100 nm thick shell). First, composite particles with Pd NPs inside of nanoporous carbon spheres (CSs) were synthesized. Subsequent immersion of the composite particles in HAuCl4 solutions containing PVP led to an addition of Au near the Pd. Au-Pd/CS composites with Au:Pd atomic ratios varying from 0.4 to 4.6 were prepared. The growth of Au and its location relative to the carbon's surface and the Pd are discussed. The catalytic activity towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol is tunable via the Au:Pd atomic ratio. Optimizing the composition increases the activity a hundredfold over that of the corresponding monometallic Pd/CS. The catalytic activity arises from the synergy between different contributing mechanisms, here especially the interaction between the carbon matrix and metals, metal-metal interfaces, and the hydrogen absorption capabilities of Pd. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.