The palladium nanoparticles/carbon nanofibers (Pd NPs/CNFs) catalyst was prepared by the electrospinning method, the hydrazine hydrate solution reduction in an ice bath environment, the high temperature carbonization. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanofibers are not cross-linked and arranged in order. The surface of Pd NPs/CNFs is smooth, and it can be observed that a large number of particles were loaded and well-dispersed in carbon fiber matrix, and the particle distribution is uniform. The activity center of catalyst is Pd-(0). The Pd NPs/CNFs exhibited a high efficiency, good reusability and stability in the Suzuki and Heck reactions. It can be used for at least five consecutive runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity. The good recyclability of Pd NPs/CNFs provides a way to greatly reduce the cost of the catalyst. (C) 2016 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.