The present study is focused on the synthesis and investigation of Pt and Pt-Ru nanostructures templated by anodic aluminum oxide films. Samples of this sort may be considered in future as model electrode materials of high roughness and specific controllable nanostructural features. Nanostructure and morphology of electrodeposited materials are characterized using scanning electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy techniques. A possibility to control catalytic activity of electrodeposits by means of templating is discussed as well. Higher catalytic activity of nanostructured Pt-Ru as compared to usual electrodeposit is very promising for further clarification of structural effects in electrocatalysis. In particular, newly proposed materials combine high roughness and the increased number of grain boundaries known to provide high catalytic activity of platinum group metals in certain processes. Future prospects of obtaining materials with even higher roughness factors are discussed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.