New Pt-skin electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and methanol oxidation reactions

► Activity trends in ORR and MOR of Pt‐skin catalysts have been obtained. ► MOR kinetic current equation has been derived and defined by COad and OHad species. ► Correlation between PZTC and ORR potential at low current has been obtained. ► Addition of Ru to PtCu/C precursors gives highly active MOR catalyst.