A novel hydrogen generation (HG) method for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is developed. Carbon-supported platinum catalysts were synthesized by an impregnation method, and adopted to catalysis hydrolysis of NaBH4 solution. These catalysts exhibit excellent hydrogen generation rates and approximate 100% efficiencies. A HG system with 100 mg 20% Pt/C catalyst has the ability to supply a 299 W PEMFC. Specific surface of the support is not a crucial factor affecting the HG performances of the catalysts, while Pt loading, Pt particle size and size distribution, and micropore structure play important roles in hydrogen generation reactions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.