Four platinum-based catalysts with different catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction have been prepared and tested in polymer fuel cells (PFCs) and in half-cells with H2SO4 and HF electrolytes. The activity results of PFCs at 0.9 V versus RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode) can be mimicked in parallel by the results obtained in HF electrolyte but not by the results obtained in H2SO4 electrolyte. This paper concludes that the pre-screening of a huge number of Pt-based catalysts for the selection of potential catalysts for the PFCs can be carried out by a rapid half-cell technique with a non-adsorbing electrolyte such as HF.