Pt-coated Pd nanocubes enclosed with (100) planes were successfully synthesized using an epitaxial approach. Their microstructures were determined on the basis of their electron diffraction patterns and line scan energy-dispersive X-ray measurements by spotting on a single nanocube. These bimetallic nanocubes can be used as catalysts for an alkaline oxygen reduction reaction. The results of the rotating ring-disk electrode measurements indicated that these nanocubes displayed a 2.6 times greater specific activity than Pt nanoparticles. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.