The PdSbx/C (x = 0, 0.5, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2) nanocatalysts were synthesized by the microwave treatment. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is found that the addition of antimony into the Pd/C catalyst leads to formation of PdSb alloy and reduction in particle size. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the PdSb0.15/C catalyst has high electrocatalytic activity and excellent anti-poisoning ability towards ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. The onset potential of ethanol oxidation on PdSb0.15/C shifts in negative direction as compared with Pd/C. The mass activity of PdSb0.15/C for ethanol oxidation reaches 3690 mA mg(-1) Pd, which is ca. 1.7 times higher than that of Pd/C. The enhanced performance of PdSb0.15/C is mainly ascribed to the bifunctional mechanism and electronic effect. Copyright (C) 2014, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.