In this study, ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) nanosheets were adopted as a Pt support for photo-assisted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation. Compared with traditional electrocatalytic reactions, the photo-assisted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reactions of Pt-2D Bi2WO6 nanosheets under simulated solar light and visible light irradiation were improved 5.1 and 2.0 times, respectively. The better photo-assisted electrocatalytic methanol oxidation activities of Pt-Bi2WO6 nanosheets can be attributed to the unique 2D structure that strengthens the oxidation ability of photo-generated holes, reduces the time required for carrier migration, reduces the recombination rate of carriers and provides a larger specific surface area. Additionally, our experimental results reveal the critical factors of photo-assisted enhanced electrocatalytic activities for methanol oxidation and provide a new way to improve the photo-assisted electrocatalytic activities for methanol oxidation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.