Pt nanoparticles on TiO2 nanorod arrays have been prepared and used for the electrooxidation of ethanol in acidic and alkaline media. The vertically aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays provide a three-dimensional frame for supporting Pt nanoparticles. FESEM and TEM show that the Pt nanoparticles about 3 nm in diameter are evenly distributed on the surface of TiO2 nanorods. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry are performed to investigate electrochemical properties of Pt/TiO2/Ti, Pt/C, and Pt/Ti electrocatalysts. The Pt/TiO2/Ti electrocatalyst shows better catalytic activity and higher catalytic stability compared with other electrocatalysts. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.