In this study, a novel Pd-(NiFe)(x)-(NiFeO)(y)/C catalyst is fabricated by supporting Pd on partially oxidized nickel iron alloy. Because of the promotion effect between nickel iron alloy and nickel iron oxide towards Pd, the catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for ethylene glycol oxidation. Specifically, it has much larger electrochemically active surface area, better electrocatalytic activity and durability compared to Pd/C counterpart. After all, this strategy is well suited to synthesize other metal alloys and oxides synergistically promoting Pd electrocatalysts for direct ethylene glycol fuel cells. Copyright 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.