Binary and ternary composite films of Pd, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Ni have been obtained on glassy carbon electrodes and investigated for electrocatalysis of methanol oxidation in 1 M KOH. it is observed that small addition (1-5%) of MWCNTS to Pd increases the apparent electrocatalytic activity of the electrode considerably, the magnitude of enhancement, however, being the greatest (5-8 times) with 1% MWCNT. 1% Ni introduction to the active Pd-1% MWCNT electrode increased the apparent electrocatalytic activity by 1.4-1.7 times further. Among the electrodes investigated, the Pd-1% MWCNT-l% Ni composite electrode has the greatest apparent electrocatalytic activity. The enhanced electrocatalytic activity of the electrodes is ascribed to their improved geometrical as well as electronic properties. (c) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.