The thickness extension mode resonance oscillation (TERO) of bulk acoustic waves generated on z-cut LiNbO3 by rf electric power was employed to the catalytic oxidation of methanol over thin Pt and Pd film catalysts deposited. Both the catalysts produced formaldehyde, methyl formate, and carbon dioxide as carbon-containing products in the gas phase. The TERO considerably increased the selectivity for formaldehyde production on Pt at a moderate rf power, indicating the ability of promoting the partial oxidation of methanol, whereas a small and monotonous decrease in the selectivity of the reaction on Pd occurred with power. The different TERO effects on the selectivity are discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.