This work reports the preparation of ternary hollow PdSnNi (H-PdSnNi) catalysts with nanochannels toward the electrooxidation of ethanol in alkaline medium, in which the Pd and Sn nanoparticles grow on the surface of H-Ni microspheres by galvanic replacement method. The reaction is driven by the difference in the equilibrium potential of the Pd/PdCl42-, Sn/Sn2+ and Ni/Ni2+ redox couples. Structural measurements indicate the hollow structure of the H-PdSnNi nanocomposites and the well distribution of nanoparticles. The distinctive Pd NPs and Sn NPs loaded on H-Ni microspheres can efficient prevent Pd NPs from the aggregation and provide a high specific area. Electrochemical tests illustrate that the H-PdSnNi2.5 catalyst has large electrochemically active surface area and prominent activity (1902 A g(-1)). After the same chronoamperometery test, the residual current density of H-PdSnNi2.5 catalyst remains 1006 A g(-1) which is 7.1 times that of Pd/C (JM) (140 A g(-1)). The superior activity and stability of the H-PdSnNi catalysts toward ethanol electrooxidation are attributed to the hollow structure, the electron effect and bifunctional mechanism due to the addition of Ni and Sn. This work will spur the study of the structure and composition (ternary-metallic) of electrocatalysts toward EOR with superior electrooxidation performance. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.