Bimetallic Pt-Co nanoparticles were co-deposited on polypyrrole (PPy)-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite by formaldehyde reduction route to develop an anode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). PPy-MWCNT support was prepared by in situ polymerization of pyrrole on MWCNT. The electrochemical activity of this catalyst towards methanol oxidation and the important influencing factors have been investigated. The Pt-Co/PPy-MWCNT composite via over-oxidation treatment shows higher catalytic activity and potential application value for DMFCs. (C) 2009 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.