Significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity for methanol electro-oxidation on Ag oxide-promoted PtAg/C catalysts in alkaline electrolyte

► A kinetic model is provided for MOR on PtmAg/C catalysts. ► The alloyed PtmAg/C catalysts showed enhanced activities for MOR in comparison with Pt/C catalyst. ► Ag oxide played a crucial role in promoting the catalysis of Pt for MOR in alkaline electrolyte. ► Too high dispersion state of Pt was disadvantageous for the improvement of activity and stability of catalysts.