In the context of development of direct glucose fuel cell (DGFC), low metal loading (ca. 15 wt.%) bi-metallic platinum-bismuth (PtBi/C) and platinum-gold (PtAu/C) catalysts are synthesized by immobilizing metal sols on carbon substrate (Vulcan XC 72R). Physical characterization of electro-catalysts, studied using TEM, SEM, EDX and XRD, reveals the formation of nano-sized metal particles on carbon substrate. The cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry of the prepared catalysts point out that PtAu/C is more active and stable than PtBi/C and commercial PtRu/C towards glucose electro-oxidation in alkaline medium. The catalysts are tested as anode in batch DGFC using activated charcoal as cathode in different glucose and electrolyte (KOH solution) concentrations at ambient temperature (30 degrees C). Open-circuit voltage of similar to 0.9V is obtained for PtAu/C and commercial PtRu/C and 0.8V for PtBi/C anode in 0.2M glucose and in 1 M KOH. However, the peak power density per unit metal loading or specific peak power density obtained is 1.6 mW cm(-2) mg(-1) for PtAu/C followed by PtBi/C (1.25 mW cm(-2) mg(-1)) and commercial PtRu/C (1.13 mW cm(-2) mg(-1)). For PtBi/C and PtRu/C, the cell performance increases up to 0.2 M glucose concentration and then decreases. However, for PtAu/C catalyst the cell performance increases up to 0.3 M glucose concentration and then decreases. A prominent transition zone is observed in which current density sharply decreases with the decrease in voltage (increase in overpotential) for PtBi/C and PtRu/C at 0.3 M glucose concentration, which is not observed in the case of PtAu/C. The transition zone for PtAu/C is insignificant and at higher glucose concentration (0.4 M) pointing out that PtAu/C is much stable catalyst than PtBi/C and commercial PtRu/C. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.