Bi-functional catalysts based on Au supported on oxide based nanomaterials for use in fuel cells were evaluated by electrochemical methods for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Metal oxide coated multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) (MnO2/MWNT and ZnO/MWNT) were prepared by reduction of potassium permanganate and oxidation of Zn powder on MWNT surface respectively. Au-MnO2/MWNT and Au-ZnO/MWNT were prepared by chemical reduction of chloroauric acid on MnO2/MWNT and ZnO/MWNT The samples were characterized and linear sweep voltammetric studies were performed in N-2 saturated, O-2 saturated and methanol containing 1 M KOH solution and the results have been discussed. A single fuel cell was also constructed using Au-MnO2/MWNT and Au-ZnO/MWNT as ORR electrocatalysts. A maximum power density of 45 mW/cm(2) and 56 mW/cm(2) was obtained with Au-MnO2/MWNT and Au-ZnO/MWNT respectively. Additionally, the methanol tolerance of these electrocatalysts has been investigated and results have been discussed. (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.