The Au deposition on polycrystalline Pd electrode and the electrocatalytic oxidation of propane-1,3-diol on the Au-deposited Pd electrodes are investigated. Structure analyses show that the surface of Pd is partially covered by Au nanoparticles. Electrochemical measurements reveal a significant improvement in the catalytic activity of Pd electrode by Au deposition for propane-1,3-diol oxidation in alkaline solution. The Au-modified Pd electrodes show oxidation potential similar to Pd electrode but considerably higher peak current density than Pd and Au electrodes.