Low-Pt content (5%) carbon-supported Pt-Ni-TiO2 nanotube electrocatalysts were prepared via a microwave-assisted polyol strategy. Physical and morphological properties of these electrocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry studies clearly suggested that the Pt(5%)-Ni(10%)-TiO2 nanotube (10%) supported by Vulcan XC-72 is better than the commercial 20% Pt/C electrocatalyst for methanol electro-oxidation in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).