We synthesized and characterized a highly active electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in alkaline media by coating carbon-supported silver nanoparticles with Pd (Pd@Ag/C) via a galvanic displacement method. The electrochemical measurements were carried out using an ultrathin film rotating disk electrode Compared to the Pt/C electrocatalyst, the specific and mass activities of the Pd@Ag/C were enhanced by a factor of 3 and 25. respectively. The potentiostatic measurements showed that the Pd@Ag/C is less stable than the Pt/C at the potential of -0 1 V vs. Hg/HgO/OH- in alkaline media The Pd@Ag/C is insensitive to alcohol, and, as a cathode electrocatalyst of a direct alcohol fuel cell, can resist poisoning by the possible alcohol crossover from the anode. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.