A method to prepare improved Pt-based catalyst for direct methanol fuel cell is described in this study. Silane coupling agents (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) (3-glycidyloxy propyl) trimethoxysilane, and N-[3(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ethylenediamine (3-glycidyloxy) were used to graft perfluorosulfonic ionomer on Pt to stabilize the dispersion and therefore to obtain an electrode with fine Pt cluster and high catalyst utilization. From extended X-ray absorption fine structure examination, Pt nanoparticle can be successfully confined to smaller size with the help of APTMS. Polarization test shows improved membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performance while using APTMS. From hydrogen adsorption/desorption cyclic voltammotric analysis, about 15% catalyst utilization increase can be achieved. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.