Palladium nanoparticles of 2.1 +/- 0.9 nm size were generated within a hybrid zirconia/polyvinyl alcohol membrane of 60 +/- 5 mu m thickness, to afford a bulk 6.7% Pd loading (w/w). The material was used as catalyst for the heterogeneous, batch and continuous flow partial oxidation reaction of functionalized alcohols, using air or oxygen as oxidants and water or methanol as solvents. Good selectivity to the corresponding aldehydes at full conversion and excellent resistance over prolonged time-on-stream under very mild reaction conditions was observed. No metal leaching in solution was detected, as well as no additives nor regeneration steps were needed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.