We have investigated the electro-catalytic oxidation of 1,2-propanediol in basic solution using nanoporous and planar solid Pt electrodes. We observe higher current density for this reaction with the nanoporous Pt than with the planar solid electrode. In principle, there are two possible explanations for this finding. The first is related to the geometry of the nanoporous Pt and the second is associated with the morphology of the Pt in these configurations. If geometric factors dominate, then the current density enhancement should be similar for all species undergoing electro-catalytic oxidation. If Pt morphology plays a role, different crystal faces would give rise to qualitative differences in the oxidation products and electrochemical response of the two electrodes. Our data for 1,2-propanediol point to metal morphology as the primary explanation. Continuous cycling of the reaction reveals a monotonic decrease in current density with number of cycles for both Pt electrodes, along with a potential shift for the oxidation wave, suggesting changes in the electrode surface. The rate at which the electro-oxidation signal decreased is different for planar and nanoporous Pt, consistent with a different distribution of crystal faces for the two electrodes. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.