One of novel porous 1-D architectures, mesopore-functional carbon sphere nanochains (MCSNs), with highly interrelated networks have been directly evolved from the colloidal carbon sphere nanochains (CCSNs) through a unique Li2CO3-molten salt strategy. The PtRu/MCSNs hybrid system, achieved by rational integration of 2.5-nm-size PtRu alloy NPs into the mesopores of MCSNs were prepared, and for comparison, the solid carbon sphere nanochain (SCSN)-supported PtRu NPs (PtRu/SCSN) and benchmark carbon (Vulcan XC-72)-supported PtRu (PtRu/C) were also prepared. It is demonstrated that the PtRu/MCSN hybrid system exhibited superior catalytic properties toward methanol oxidation with specially enhanced catalytic activity and desirable stability. The forward peak current density of PtRu/MCSNs (437 mA mg(-1)) was obviously much higher than those of PtRu/SCSNs (265 mA mg(-1)) and PtRu/C (310 mA mg(-1)). The onset potential of PtRu/MCSNs (0.24V) is much earlier than those of PtRu/SCSNs (0.38 V) and PtRu/C (0.37 V). This attractive efficiency can be ascribed to the functionalities of mesoporous carbon support, which affords more efficient electron transfer and better mass transport, maximizing the availability of nano PtRu catalysts. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.