Reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC, 39 pores per cm), uncompressed graphite felt (UGF) and Ti mesh were investigated as 3-D anode catalyst supports for direct liquid methanol fuel cells with the aim of improving the catalyst mass specific activity. Mesoporous Pt-Ru layers composed of nano-particle agglomerates were electrodeposited on the 3-D substrates using a micellar deposition media composed of Triton X-100, isopropanol, and an aqueous phase containing H2PtCl6 and (NH4)(2)RuCl6. The effect of deposition current density, support type, and counter electrode design on the catalyst layer morphology, mass loading and elemental composition is discussed. In direct methanol fuel cell experiments using 1 M CH3OH-0.5 M H2SO4 the 3-D anodes with PtRu load between 2.8 g m(-2) (on Ti mesh) and 12.0 g m(-2) (on RVC) and Pt:Ru atomic ratio of about 4:1 provided peak power outputs based on catalyst mass of 50.4 W g(-1) and 40.5 W g(-1), respectively, at 333 K. The mass specific activity of the catalyst supported on the 3-D matrix is determined by the synergy between catalyst deposition procedure and support physico-chemical properties.