High Catalytic Performance of a Pd-loaded TaN-TaC Electrocatalyst for Ethylene Glycol Oxidation in an Alkaline Medium

•The TaN-TaC composite with a large specific area was successfully prepared.•The uniform Pd nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of TaN-TaC composite.•Pd loading enhanced the electron transfer between Pd and TaN-TaC composite.•The Pd/TaN-TaC exhibited a high electrocatalytic activity for EG oxidation.•The electrocatalytic activity of Pd/TaN-TaC was superior to commercial Pd/C 10%.