Possibility of the cyclic voltammetry (CV) in characterization of supported VIII group metal catalysts was studied. The emphasis was laid on Pd catalysts. A standard procedure for CV measurements was proposed and validated. Reasons causing cumbersome behavior of copper underpotential deposition (UPD) were revealed. The relative surface areas of metal catalysts on conductive and non-conductive supports were measured. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.