Galvanostatic depositions onto Ni substrates from 0.2 M NiCl2 in 2.0 M NH4Cl using a Pt counter electrode are self-regulating, forming rough Pt-Ni deposits with similar to 1.8 mol% Pt. All or most of the Pt is on the surface of these deposits. Use of added H2PtCl6 center dot 6H(2)O as a source of Pt(IV), or K[PtCl3(C2H4)]center dot H2O as a source of Pt(II), results in Pt-Ni deposits with the Pt dispersed throughout the deposit, with little Pt on the surface. Ni promotes the electrooxidation of 2-propanol over Pt in alkaline electrolytes. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.