Density functional theory slab calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption and dissociation of CO over pure and M-doped Ni(211) (M = Fe, Co, Ru and Rh) with the aim to elucidate the effect of transition metal doping for CO activation. Doping the step edge of Ni(211)with Fe, Co and Ru is found to enhance the binding of CO in the initial state (IS) (in the sequence by the improvement degree: Fe > Ru > Co) as well as the co-adsorption of C and O in the final state (FS) (Ru > Fe > Co). In contrast, Rh doping is unfavorable both in the IS and in the FS. Analysis of the overall potential energy surfaces (PES) suggests CO dissociation is facilitated by Fe, Ru and Co doping both kinetically and thermodynamically, wherein Fe and Ru behave extraordinary. Interestingly, Fe substitute is slightly superior to Ru in kinetics whereas the contrary is the case in thermodynamics. Rh doping elevates the energy height from 0.97 eV on Ni(211) to 1.32 eV and releases 0.39 eV less heat relative to Ni(211), again manifesting a negative effect. Besides the classical Bronsted-Evans-Polanyi relationship, we put forward another two neat linear relations, which can well describe the feature of CO dissociation. The differences of CO adsorption and activation in the IS over pure and doped Ni(211) surfaces are rationalized via electronic structure analysis. The findings presented herein are expected to provide theoretical guidance for catalyst design and optimization in relevant processes. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.