Tungsten carbide promoted Pd and Pd-Co electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation

► Carbon support functionalized by facilely obtained tungsten carbide. ► Palladium-based nanoparticles supported on the functionalized carbon synthesized. ► Superior activity and stability achieved with the PdCo/WC-C catalyst. ► Synergetic effects among Pd, Co ad WC proposed for the catalytic process.