Comparison of methanol and ethylene glycol oxidation by alloy and Core-Shell platinum based catalysts

► We compared catalytic activity for methanol and EG oxidation of Core-Shell and alloy platinum based catalysts. ► The Core-Shell catalysts showed inferior surface activity due to sub-optimal surface composition of the Shell. ► Methanol oxidation favors excess of platinum on the surface. ► Core-Shell catalysts can be much more cost-effective than alloy based catalysts thanks to better platinum utilization.