Swellable Organically-Modified Silica (SOMS) was used as a Pd catalyst support. 1% Pd/SOMS was more active compared to 1% Pd/Al2O3 for liquid-phase HDC of TCE. Swelling ability of Pd/SOMS is a key factor for obtaining increased TCE conversion. Hydrophobicity of SOMS helps the kinetics. Hydrophobicity of SOMS protects the Pd sites from poisoning and leaching.