Hierarchical structure SnO2 with two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets building blocks was employed as support material for Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The SnO2 supported Pt catalyst was synthesized through a facile aqueous phase process using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. The as-prepared Pt-SnO2 catalyst exhibited remarkably improved electrocatalytic activity and stability toward methanol oxidation, in comparison with that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst and the commercial SnO2 nanopowder supported Pt catalyst. The superior catalytic performance may arise from the unique multiscale structure and morphology of the SnO2 support, which process extraordinary promotional effect on Pt catalyst. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.