Carbon monoxide mediated chemical deposition of Pt or Pd quasi-monolayer on Au surfaces with superior electrocatalysis for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.

Electroless deposition of a quasi-monolayer (q-ML) of Pt and/or Pd on different Au substrates is achieved by using CO as both reducing and quenching agents, imparting Au@Pt/C or Au@Pd/C with superior electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media.