NOVELTY - Platinum-metal oxide composite particles (I) comprised of a metal oxide core at least partially encapsulated by an atomically thin layer of zerovalent or partially-charged platinum atoms; or the metal oxide core bound to zerovalent or partially charged platinum clusters.    USE - (I) is useful as electrocatalysts in oxygen-reducing cathodes as fuel cells, which is useful for producing electrical energy with an oxidant. (I) is useful for preventing the oxidation of the platinum electrocatalyst in the cathodes of fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE - (I) have reduced oxidation and dissolution rates of platinum in the oxygen-reducing cathode of fuel cells. (I) improves the fuel cell stability. (I) provides a significant reduction in platinum loading while maintaining the oxygen reducing electrocatalytic activity of platinum.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) an oxygen-reducing cathode comprising an electrically conductive support bound to platinum-metal oxide composite particles comprised of a metal oxide core comprising an oxide composition capable of withstanding degradation under the operating conditions of the oxygen reducing cathode;    (2) a fuel cell comprising an oxygen-reducing cathode comprised of an electrically conductive support bound to platinum-metal oxide composite particles comprised of a metal oxide core comprising an oxide composition capable of withstanding degradation under the operating conditions of the fuel cell; an anode; an electrically conductive contact connecting the oxygen-reducing cathode with the anode; and an ion-conducting electrolyte in mutual contact with the oxygen-reducing cathode and the anode;    (3) a method for improving fuel cell stability by preventing or reducing platinum dissolution in an oxygen-reducing cathode of a fuel cell, comprising incorporating platinum-metal oxide composite particles into the oxygen-reducing cathode of a fuel cell; where the platinum-metal oxide composite particles comprised of a metal oxide core comprising an oxide composition capable of withstanding degradation under the operating conditions of the fuel cell; the metal oxide core is partially encapsulated by an atomically thin layer of zerovalent or partially charged platinum atoms, for preventing or reducing platinum dissolution in the oxygen-reducing cathode of the fuel cell; and    (4) a method for producing electrical energy, comprising providing the fuel cell; contacting the oxygen-reducing cathode with oxygen; and contacting the anode with a fuel source.