Spray pyrolysis of metal precursors was used to synthesize binary and ternary nano-structured Pt-based catalysts. Characterization of the catalysts was performed using SEM, TEM, and EDS to determine morphology, purity and composition. The electrochemical performance of synthesized Pt84Ru16. Rt(96)Sn(4), and Pt88Ru6Sn6 was evaluated via cyclic voltammetry and steady state polarization for oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol. The binary Pt84Ru16 and Pt96Sn4 catalysts had higher maximum currents and better stability than a templated Pt catalyst and templated ternary Pt88Ru6Sn6 catalyst. All binary and ternary catalysts had less adsorbed reaction products during potential cycling than the templated platinum electrocatalyst. In situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) analysis showed complete oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol with the binary and ternary catalysts by CO2 generation. This work emphasizes the benefits provided by adding Ru and Sn to Pt catalysts for oxidation of complex alcohols. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.