Trimetallic NiPdPt alloy nanoclusters with diameter of about 10 nm are successfully dispersed on the deoxyribonucleic acid-modified reduced graphene oxide (DNA-rGO) by using NaBH4 as reductant The prepared NiPdPt nanoclusters grown on DNA-rGO (NiPdPt/DNA-rGO) composite are used as electrocatalysts for ethanol electrooxidation in alkaline solution. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry are used to investigate the electrochemical activities and stabilities of the catalysts. The Ni1Pd1Pt1/DNA-rGO (molar ratio of Ni, Pd, Pt is 1:1:1) has extraordinary electrocataltic activity, with their mass current density reaching 3.4 A mg(-1) metal and better stability. As compared with the bimetallic counterparts and NiPdPt grown on multi-wall carbon nanotubes, Ni1Pd1Pt1/DNA-rGO retains the highest mass current density after a 2000 s current-time test at 0 V. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.