Partial substitution of Cu by Pd2+ ions and Bi3+ ion self-adsorption processes are used to fabricate a novel core-shell PdCuBi nanocatalyst. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectra and different electrochemical measurements are used to characterize the catalyst. It is exhibited that Pd covers Cu outer layers in the substitution reaction and Bi modifies Pd surface in the adsorption process. The peak current for ethylene glycol electrooxidation of PdCuBi/C (171.1 mA cm(-2)) in a KOH solution is almost three times higher than that of Pd/C (57.8 mA cm-2). Durability and tolerance towards strongly adsorbed intermediate poisoning of this catalyst are also improved. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.