Atomic layer deposition (ALD) was adopted for the first time to load Pd nanoparticles on Al2O3 ceramic membranes (CMs) for fabricating catalytic membranes (Pd/CMs). The membrane surface was functionalized with the deposition of TiO2 by ALD and subsequent calcination under different atmospheres [CM-TiO2-A, obtained by calcination under an Pe atmosphere of pure argon; CM-TiO2-H, obtained by calcination under a mixed atmosphere of H-2 and Ar (H-2/Ar = 1:9 in volume)]. The influence of the TiO2 deposition on the microstructure of catalytic membranes and their catalytic performance in p-nitrophenol reduction to p-aminophenol were investigated in detail. The catalytic activity of Pd/CM-TiO2-H improved by 1.9 times compared to Pd/CM, and 100% conversion of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol can be achieved. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy results indicate that the ALD of TiO2 and subsequent calcination under a 10% H-2 atmosphere can produce more surface oxygen vacancies, providing more active sites for Pd(hfac)(2) adsorption and then promoting the loading of Pd nanoparticles. The XPS and H-2 temperature-programmed reduction results suggest that calcining TiO2 under the 10% H-2 atmosphere is more beneficial for the removal of the hfac ligands and the reduction of Pd(hfac)(2)) leading to a higher Pd-0 ratio. These two aspects contribute to the superior catalytic activity of Pd/CM-TiO2-H.