The development of hydrogen fuel cells is greatly hindered by the unwanted generation of H₂O₂ at the cathode. A non-Pt cathode catalyst is now shown to be capable of simultaneously reducing both O₂ and H₂O₂, thus rendering H₂O₂ a useful part of the feed stream. The applicability of this unique catalyst is demonstrated by employing it in a fuel cell running on H₂/CO and O₂/H₂O₂.