Pt-CeO2/C catalysts were synthesized by a one-step microwave polyol process and compared with Pt/C (E-TEK) catalyst in terms of the electrochemical activity for methanol oxidation using the cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The results demonstrated that Pt-CeO2/C catalysts exhibited lower onset potential, higher current peak and better stability for methanol electrooxidation than Pt/C (E-TEK) catalyst. The effect of ceria on the catalytic activity was investigated by electrochemical measurements and the highest electrochemical activity was obtained at the molar ratio of Pt to Ce by 2:1. The preliminary mechanism of the enhanced electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation was discussed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.