Platinum (Pt) nanowire array electrode is obtained by dc electrodeposition of Pt into the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template on TV Si substrate. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination shows all the nanowires have uniform diameter of about 30 nm. The brush shapes Pt nanowire array electrode can be seen clearly by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Pt nanowire array electrode gives the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. The electro-oxidation of methanol on this electrode is investigated at room temperature by cyclic voltammetry. The results demonstrated that the Pt nanowire array electrode will have good potential applications in portable power sources. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.