The core-shell structure of Ni-core-Pt-shell nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesized by a polyol method using 1,2 propanediol. The effect of using a different stabilizer, namely either polyvinylpyrrolidone or oleic acid, was investigated. The results revealed that the two stabilizers differentially affected the crystal structure of the Ni core metal, the particle size and the metal composition of the Ni-core-Pt-shell NP catalysts. The properties of the catalysts were tested by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The Ni-core-Pt-shell catalyst formed with PVP as the stabilizer gave a higher EAS value, in accord with its smaller particle size, than that formed with oleic acid as the stabilizer. There was no significant difference in the limiting current density of the Ni-core-Pt-shell catalysts when using the two different stabilizers. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.