The type of catalyst support affects platinum activity and durability in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). In this study, Sb with 0, 4, 8 and 12% doped SnO2 on carbon cloth (CC) support at ultra-low platinum loading (0.04 mg cm−2) is prepared. The results show that the modification of support and the use of Sb-doped SnO2 improve the electrochemical activity of the prepared electrodes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates that the doping of SnO2 with Sb decreases the average particle size of Pt. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that incorporating Sb and Pt nanoparticles into SnO2 would not damage the tetragonal rutile structure. The highest electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of electrodes in the acidic environment is obtained in Sb of 4%. The highest current density of 15.5 mA cm−2 is obtained at the peak potential of 0.71 V for Pt@Sb4-SnO2-CC electrode in the methanol oxidation reaction while its value is 1.2 times higher than Pt@CC. The chronoamperometry analysis and CO stripping voltammetry show that this electrode has the highest tolerance to CO. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that the minimum charge transfer resistance of 17.6 (Ω cm2) is acquired for the Pt@Sb4-SnO2-CC electrode. In the active DMFC test, the high power and current density of this electrode are 11 mW cm−2 and 66 mA cm−2, respectively, at the cell voltage of 0.2 V.
