A novel bimetallic Pt-Fe electrode supported on carbon fibers (CFs) was prepared by chemical impregnation/reduction and evaluated for the electrolysis of coal to produce hydrogen. Characterization of the electrocatalyst was performed using X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The synthesized Pt-Fe particles were well dispersed on the surface of the CFs. The addition of Fe to the catalyst enhanced the electrooxidation of coal when compared to Pt alone. PtFe (1:1) supported on carbon fibers exhibited superior catalytic activity towards the conversion of coal than PtFe (7:3) and PtFe (3:7). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.