In the present work, 1 wt% and 5 wt% Pd/GDC10 (Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_1.95) nanopowders were prepared by two different methods: (a) cation complexation (CC) and (b) incipient wetness impregnation (WI) of an aqueous Pd²⁺ solution onto GDC10 nanopowders. All samples were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), specific surface area determination and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). In order to study the oxidation state of Pd in samples with and without reducing treatments, XANES experiments at the Pd L₃-edge were carried out. In situ Ce L₃-edge XANES experiments were performed under reducing conditions in order to investigate the reduction behaviour of these materials. The addition of Pd to the GDC10 nanopowders increased the reducibility of Ce in the mixed oxide. Finally, catalytic tests for CH₄ combustion were performed on the Pd/GDC10 nanopowders. Catalysts with higher Pd loading (5 wt%) exhibited the best performance for CH₄ combustion. The influence of preparation method was evident for catalysts with 1 wt% Pd, the cation complexation method resulting in more active catalysts than the wetness impregnation method.