SnO2 nanospheres were employed as the support material for Pd catalyst. The as-prepared Pd/SnO2 catalyst exhibited remarkably improved electrocatalytic activity and stability towards formic acid oxidation, in comparison with that of the Vulcan XC-72 carbon black and the commercial SnO2 nanopowder supported Pd catalyst. The enhanced catalytic performance may arise from the unique structure and surface properties of the SnO2 nanospheres, which process extraordinary promotional effect on Pd catalyst. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.