Pd-Cu/C and Pd/C catalysts were synthesized via a metal salt reduction method. Physical, chemical, and electrochemical characterizations of these two catalysts were compared and used to understand the impact of copper on the palladium surface during the electrochemical oxidation of formate and ethanol in alkaline media. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry display an enhanced oxidation rate and stability for Pd-Cu/C alloy catalyst toward formate and ethanol in alkaline media when compared to Pd/C catalyst. The binding energy of the core level of Pd 3d and the d-band center of Pd were upshifted in the case of Pd-Cu/C catalyst compared to the Pd/C catalyst indicating a charge transfer between these two metals. These results demonstrate that the addition of Cu induces an electronic effect on the Pd surface significantly contributing to the increase in oxidation rates for both formate and ethanol in alkaline media (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.