The preparation of Pd particles supported mesoporous activated carbons and their catalytic activities for the hydrogenation of methyl linoleate were investigated. Mesoporous activated carbon fiber (W15A), mesoporous activated carbon powder (MAC), and microporous activated carbon fiber (A20) were applied. Pd supported activated carbons were prepared by immersing activated carbons in a dispersion of Pd fine particles. The mesopore surface area and volume decreased with supporting I'd particles. The amounts of Pd particles supported on mesoporous W15A and MAC are higher than those on microporous A20. It is supposed that Pd particles are mainly supported on mesopores. Pd supported mesoporous W15A exhibited higher catalytic activities for the hydrogenation of methyl linoleate than microporous A20. Pd particles supported on mesopores are suggested to play an important role in the catalytic activity for hydrogenation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.