The synthesis, physical and electrochemical characterization of carbon supported yttrium hydroxide decorated platinum nanocatalyst, for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid media is presented. The nanocatalysts core is prepared through colloidal reduction of YCl3 with NaBH4 in alcoholic media, while the Pt decorated on the surface of Y-OH nanoparticles is deposited by galvanic displacement. The presence of Pt is proved by XRD analysis. TEM micrographs reveal highly dispersed nanoparticles with 2 nm average size. The composition of Y and Pt is 81 wt% and 19 wt% respectively, determined by EDX. The electrochemical performance of carbon supported Y-OH-decorated-Pt/C was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, CO stripping and by rotating disk electrode techniques and carried out for the ORR in HC1O(4) electrolyte at room temperature; enhanced mass activity and similar specific activity results are obtained compared to commercially available Pt(20 wt%)/C (Etek (R)). The intrinsic properties and stability of the catalyst are promising to be considered as feasible cathode material for PEM fuel cells. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.