Galvanic deposition method was used to prepare the Pd/Ni-Al2O3-GD catalyst for the combustion of methane under lean conditions. The new catalyst and compared catalysts (Pd/Al2O3-IW, Pd-Ni/Al2O3-IW, Pd/Ni-Al2O3-IW) prepared by incipient wetness impregnation were characterized by N2-physisorption, XRD and TEM to clarify particle size and size distribution of palladium species. Combined O2-TPD and XPS results with the catalytic data, it shows that the surface palladium species with low valence exhibits better combustion performance due to their stronger interaction with support. The results indicate that the galvanic deposition method is an effective route to prepare efficient catalyst for methane combustion, and it also provides useful information for improving the present commercial catalyst. Galvanic deposition method was used to prepare the Pd / Ni-Al2O3-GD catalyst for the combustion of methane under lean conditions. The new catalyst and compared catalysts (Pd / Al2O3-IW, Pd- Al2O3-IW) prepared by incipient wetness impregnation were characterized by N2-physisorption, XRD and TEM to clarify particle size and size distribution of palladium species. Combined O2-TPD and XPS results with the catalytic data, it shows that the surface palladium species with low valence exhibits better combustion performance due to their stronger interaction with support. The results indicate that the galvanic deposition method is an effective route to prepare efficient catalyst for methane combustion, and it also provides useful information for improving the present commercial catalyst.