Corrosion of the carbon catalyst support may occur at both the anode and cathode catalyst layers within an electrochemical fuel cell. Such corrosion may lead to reduced performance and/or decreased lifetimes of the fuel cell. Nevertheless, carbon supports have many desirable properties as catalyst supports including high surface area, high electrical conductivity, good porosity and density. To reduce or eliminate corrosion of the carbon catalyst support, the carbon support may have a metal surface treatment and, in particular, a metal carbide surface treatment. Suitable metal carbides include titanium, tungsten and molybdenum. In this manner, the metal carbide surface treatment protects the underlying carbon support from corrosion while maintaining the desirable characteristics of the carbon support.