Pt catalysts supported on porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized by a co-electrospinning followed by a reduction method, for improved methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Pt catalysts supported on porous CNFs exhibit the highest electrocatalytic activity (524.09 mA/mgPt) and superior electrocatalytic stability as compared to Pt/conventional CNFs and commercial Pt/C (E-TEK), owing to the excellent dispersion of the Pt catalysts on the supporting porous CNFs. These results indicate that porous CNFs possessing a high specific surface area and a high total pore volume are promising candidates as supports for catalysts for improved methanol oxidation in DMFCs. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.