Electron energy loss spectroscopy of Pd and Pd-Au catalysts supported on multiwall carbon nanotubes

► XP-EELS and REELS loss spectroscopy of MWCNT, ox-MWCNT, Pd/MWCNT, Pd-Au/MWCNT. ► Analysis of REELS π + σ energy loss peak, surface and bulk C sp2/sp3 bonds. ► MWCNT oxidation: attachment of functional groups to the surface of the MWCNT. ► Composites preparation and calcination: amorphous carbon at the surface. ► Reduced calcined Pd and Pd-Au MWCNT catalysts: attachment of functional groups.