The electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol in an alkaline medium has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. Pt, Au and Pt + Au alloy supported on glassy carbon substrates were used as electrode materials. The deposition of Pt and Au particles produced an increase in current densities, especially at the peak potential, together with a shift of the oxidation peak to lower potential values. The results obtained for the Pt + Au alloy on glassy carbon provided further evidence for the synergistic effect of alloyed materials, with the maximum activity occurring at 40.0% Pt surface composition.