Functionalization step is generally prerequisite to immobilize metal nanoparticles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for production of a high efficient electrocatalyst. We herein report a novel method to functionalize MWCNTs with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen-MWCNTs) as a catalyst support for Pd nanoparticles. Raman spectroscopic analysis results reveal that this phen functionalization method can preserve the integrity and electronic structure of MWCNTs and provide the highly effective functional groups on the surface for Pd nanoparticles. According to the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, the as-prepared Pd nanop articles are evenly deposited on the surface of the phen-MWCNTs without obvious agglomeration, and the average particle size of the Pd nanoparticles is 2.3 nm. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the as-prepared Pd/phen-MWCNTs catalyst has a better electrocatalytic activity and stability for the oxidation of formic acid than Pd catalyst on acid-treated MWCNTs. It is concluded that the as-prepared Pd/phen-MWCNTs would be a potential candidate as an anode electrocatalyst in direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC). Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.