The Pt nanoparticles were synthesized using a polyol process in the presence of additives such as FeCl3, NaNO3, and PVP. In particular, the Pt nanoparticles with a hexapod structure (Pt-FNP) were formed without agglomeration in the presence of additive ions of Fe3+ and NO3- with PVP. The Pt-FNP exhibited an improved electrocatalytic activity for electro-oxidation reactions of methanol, ethanol, and formic acid due to dominant {111} facets formed as a result of a slow growth rate during the chemical process. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.