Au-core@Pt-shell nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction method. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In-situ surfac-enhanced Raman scattering (in-situ SERS) spectroscopy combined with cyclic voltammetry was utilized to investigate the electro-oxidation behavior of formic acid adsorbed on Au-core@Pt-shell nanoparticles coated on platinum electrode, and SERS spectra with high quality were acquired. Results showed that the intermediates COad and HCOOad, the dissociated products of HCOOH, were produced at open circuit potential. As the potential moved to positive, the first oxidation wave for CO, was observed at +0.10 V. The study demonstrated that the electrode prepared by Au-core@Pt-shell nanoparticles coated on platinum substrate exhibited good electro-catalytic properties and SERS activity for the oxidation of HCOOH, and the electro-oxidation proceeds of formic acid via "dual path" mechanism
