A novel electrode was rapidly prepared by depositing microparticle platinum onto a nichrome substrate in dilute chloroplatinic acid solution by cyclic voltammetry. The SEM results revealed that the deposits were composed of spherical Pt microparticles. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used for the characterization of the electrodes. Results of the electrochemical measurements showed that the spherical Pt microparticle electrodes retained the properties of metal platinum, increased the catalytic activity and promoted the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol. Moreover, the deposited Pt microparticles improved the electrochemical properties of the support material and reduced the dosage of noble metal platinum remarkably. The cost could be reduced dramatically by decreasing the contents of platinum. The spherical Pt microparticles deposited on the nichrome supports are likely a potential electrocatalyst for ethanol electrooxidation. (C) 2008 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.