Effects of the PdO nanoflake support on electrocatalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles toward methanol oxidation in acidic solutions

► PdO nanoflakes were deposited on carbon fibers, and used as Pt nanoparticles support. ► The PdO electrode has an electrochemical behavior in acidic media like metallic Pd. ► The PdO improves electrocatalytic activity of the Pt toward MOR in acidic solution. ► The improvement is ascribed to the electronic effect and the bifunctional mechanism.