Ag/Pd nanoparticles have been synthesized with a reactive alcohol-type surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), without the presence of an external reducing agent. Both UV-vis absorption spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns for the bimetallic and physical mixtures of individual nanoparticles revealed the formation of a bimetallic structure. Based on this method, an ordered 3D grapelike nanostructure was formed, possibly due to transformation of the liquid crystal phase of the micelles. Data from the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis show that the composition of bimetallic nanoparticle is approximately equal to the feeing solution. Furthermore, the Ag/Pd nanoparticles exhibit distinct catalyst for electroless copper deposition and may be a substitute for the conventional palladium system, which is expensive and unstable in operation. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.