We successfully synthesized a dandelion-like PtPd heterogeneous structure via a facile one-pot hydrothermal route by reducing Na2PdCl4 and H2PtCl6 with ascorbic acid in the presence of hexadecylpyridinium chloride monohydrate. Hexadecylpyridinium chloride monohydrate acted as the shape-directing agent, which is critical to the reproducible formation of dandelion-like PtPd nanoclusters (DPtPdNC). The prepared DPtPdNC with an average diameter of 40nm composed of dozens of branched arm assembled by Pt and Pd heterogeneous nanoseeds. DPtPdNC had a strong electronelectron interaction. What's more, there were numerous nanoscale steps, kinks and edges in DPtPdNC open channel structure. As a result, an optimized DPtPdNC made by fine-tuning ratio of the Pt (7%) and Pd (93%) showed hugely active surface sites and a superior electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation was well as a long durability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.