In this work, we have prepared electrodes through the electrodeposition of platinum micro particles on SnO2 thin films in order to verify the application of this system as a catalyst for the electrooxidation of methanol. The oxide films were prepared through the method of polymeric precursor decomposition and calcinated at 550 degrees C. The employed oxides have proved to be a good matrix for the dispersion of platinum particles since they present high roughness. The maximum electrooxidation current was attained for a platinum content of approximately 600 mu g(-2). The chronoamperometric results showed that the current values obtained for the electrooxidation of methanol were up to 10 times higher than the current values obtained with platinized platinum under the same conditions. The possible mechanisms that lead to this enhancement were discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.