Methanol electro- oxidation on novel Pt - Ru - Ni/ C in an acid medium has been studied, and the results show an improved performance in terms of electrode activity and poisoning resistance. The performance of the Pt - Ru - Ni/ C catalyst is higher than that of the Pt - Ru/ C catalyst. The optimum composition has been determined by the combinatorial method. The performance of the Pt - Ru - Ni/ C catalyst with an atomic ratio of 6: 3: 1 is the best. A peak current of 14.7 mA cm(-2) at a potential of 0.88 V, as shown by cyclic voltammetry curve, occurs. (c) 2005 The Electrochemical Society.