Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) using Pt-Ru electrocatalysts and perfluorosulfonic acid membranes provide high performances if operated above 100 degrees C with optimized catalyst layers. A decal transfer method is used to apply thin-film catalyst/ionomer composite layers to Nafion(R) membranes. A Nafion 112 membrane/electrode assembly operating on 5 atm oxygen at 130 degrees C yields a current of 670 mA/cm(2) at 0.5 V cell voltage. Peak power density is 400 mW/cm(2). The same cell operating on 3 atm air at 110 degrees C yields 370 mA/cm(2) at 0.5 V and provides a maximum power density of 250 mW/cm(2).