The electrochemical behaviour of direct ethylene glycol and glycerol oxidation on a novel nickel ion implanted-modified indium tin oxide electrode (NiNPs/ITO) was investigated. The investigation is used to verify the feasibility of using the NiNPs/ITO electrode in the ethylene glycol and glycerol fuel cells. The size and morphology of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) on the substrate surface was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique was utilized to characterize the typical electrochemical behaviours of the NiNPs/ITO electrode. In alkaline medium (0.2 M NaOH), a good redox behaviour of Ni(III)/Ni(II) coupled at the surface of modified electrodes can be observed. Electrochemical performances were measured by current time curve technology. We find that the NiNPs/ITO electrode exhibits a satisfactory electrocatalytic activity toward ethylene glycol and glycerol with good stability, making it a prime candidate for use in ethylene glycol and glycerol fuel cells. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.