Evaluation of the catalytic activity of Pd-Ag alloys on ethanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions in alkaline medium

► Pd-Ag alloys containing different amounts of Ag (8, 21 and 34 at.%) are investigated to be used as anode and cathode on DEAFC. ► We find that they exhibit a better catalytic activity towards ORR and EOR than Pd. ► 21% Ag content alloy presents the highest catalytic activity for the EOR. ► The 8% at Ag alloy shows the highest ORR activity. ► It was also concluded that they have a good tolerance to ethanol on the ORR.